WASHINGTON (Sept. 7, 2023)—This month Narcan, the nasal spray that is used in emergencies to treat an opioid overdose, will be available at pharmacies as an over-the-counter medication. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the expanded access last spring to help save lives in the midst of a national opioid crisis. The manufacturer Emergent BioSolutions has said it’s already shipped thousands of kits that will be available on retail shelves in coming days, at a suggested retail price of $44.99. The sprays are also available for purchase online.
The George Washington University has experts available to comment on many aspects of the overdose crisis, including the news about Narcan’s wider availability. To schedule an interview or request more information, please contact GW Media at gwmedia
gwu [dot] edu (gwmedia[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Monica Ruiz, an associate professor of prevention and community health at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, can talk about addiction treatment and harm reduction efforts aimed at keeping people with substance use disorders safe.
Robert Shesser, a professor and Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the School of Medicine & Health Science can discuss the impact and usage of Narcan in emergency medicine.
Cynthia Awadzi, clinical assistant professor of nursing, specializes in substance abuse and addiction and can speak to a number of aspects of the national opioid crisis, including treatment options and risk factors. Her research interests also include the integration of medical and psychiatric health in underserved populations.