Narcan Nasal Spray: Should it be Approved for Over the Counter Use?

There is perhaps no greater loss than losing a loved one before their time, and perhaps no method more terrible in which to lose a loved one than through an overdose. When people fall prey to drug and alcohol addiction, it never ends well for them unless they can get help, which is sometimes difficult for them to do.

Particularly with the opioid epidemic that our country is currently faced with, a lot of people are dying from drugs or are getting seriously hurt by the most catastrophic of drug problems. In a desperate time like this, Narcan, an overdose reversal drug, might be all that stands between an overdosing addict and certain death.

With sheer overdose rates doubling, tripling, and even quadrupling what pre turn-of-the-century numbers were, fast solutions have been asked for and granted in the form of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug. Naloxone, branded as Narcan, is a powerful opioid overdose reversal agent that can be used under emergency circumstances to reverse a potentially lethal overdose.

In a time period where tens of thousands of Americans die every year to opioid overdoses, (sixty-four thousand died from overdoses in 2016) Narcan is seen literally as a lifesaver. Since its invention in 1971, naloxone has only ever been an emergency drug, made available to doctors, nurses, ERs, paramedics, and EMTs. Now, however, it has become quite clear that a broader, more accessible supply of the drug needs to be made available to the general public.

But should it be approved for over the counter purchase?

Potential Benefits and Detriments to Over the Counter Narcan

It might be hard to see how there could be a risk in making Narcan available for over the counter use, but they do exist. The primary concern, of course, is that readily available Narcan will act as an enabling factor, making it “easy” for addicts to abuse opioids when they know there is something nearby that could save their lives if things should get out of hand.

There is some legitimacy to this concern.

True, the standard information on enablement and addiction tells us not to do or say or act in any way that makes it easier for an addict to abuse drugs and alcohol. Anything, anything at all, that would in any way make it easier for an addict to continue their habits is itself a method of enabling.

Giving an addict a cell phone, giving them a place to stay, giving them money, food, a car, clothes, or any kind of help is considered a form of enablement because it is making their lives easier. When an addict’s life is easier, they never hit that rock bottom that they need to hit in order to want help. One could see that allowing Narcan’s sale over the counter would give addict’s a “backup plan” of sorts, an emergency resort that, if they “go too far” with their opiate use, they will have an overdose reversal agent that could save their lives.

The Pros Outweigh the Cons

When all the cards are on the table, Narcan should absolutely be made available for over the counter sale. This is a drug that saves lives. These are peoples’ lives we are talking about here. Furthermore, it is rarely addicts who buy the emergency medicine, as an overdosing addict would not be able to administer the drug anyway. No, the market of customers who purchase Narcan are concerned family members and loved ones of addicts. These are people who purchase Narcan, but who hope to never have to use it.

Narcan should be made as available as possible. This is a medicine that could mean the difference between a survived overdose and a miserable, devastating, too-soon death.

Sources:

• https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/opioid-overdose-reversal-naloxone-narcan-evzio
• https://www.huffingtonpost.com/tessie-castillo/top-5-reasons-why-we-need_b_5475235.html
• https://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2015/11/19/narcan-nasal-spray-approved-to-counter-narcotic-painkiller-overdose