ASA Affirms Support for Over-The-Counter Naloxone

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recently submitted comments in support of expanded community access to naloxone. The comments were in response to a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) soliciting feedback on the safety and effectiveness of certain naloxone hydrochloride drug products for nonprescription use.

In comments to the FDA, ASA expressed support for over-the-counter use and increased community access to naloxone for all patients across the United States. Naloxone is an effective and life-saving medication that can be used to help combat the opioid epidemic and reduce the amount of opioid-related overdose deaths. Expanding the nonprescription use of naloxone supports efforts to implement equitable access solutions and when combined with the availability of effective treatment, can help address the patient harm caused by the opioid epidemic.

Additionally, ASA recommended the creation of a voucher system from the opioid settlement funds for patients to receive access to the life-saving medication without financial barriers as well as a nationwide education and training program on the safe use of over-the-counter naloxone.

ASA applauds FDA’s leadership in addressing the epidemic as well as acknowledging the importance of expanding access to naloxone in communities across the nation.