‘Part of the solution’ Eisenhower doctors encourage Narcan training following FDA approval
For the first time, The Food and Drug Administration have approved Narcan, an opioid overdose antidote, for over-the-counter use.
It comes as overdoses have hit record highs nationwide in recent years.
Narcan, or Naloxone, has been available at pharmacies in every state without a prescription for quite some time.
With FDA approval, the treatment will be more accessible and readily available.
“We need to work towards that solution and be a part of it. And accessibility first," said Dr. Manny De Jesus, an Attending Emergency Physician at Eisenhower Health.
Narcan is sold in packs of 2 nasal sprays. With approval, it will no longer only be found on pharmacy counters, but will be sold in places like drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations and online.
“We've increased accessibility and not just accessibility, but it's going to be available in more locations just throughout the United States, which is pretty exciting," said Dr. Anantha Singarajah, an Emergency Medicine at Eisenhower Health.
In the last few years, overdoses have increased significantly.
“In the last two years, the bridge program, we've administered over 1000 units of Narcan from the ER and inpatient units," said Dr. De Jesus.
And in just 2 weeks, festival season kick off in the Valley. It's time when doctors see a rise in overdoses.
“We definitely see more overdoses during this time, younger population accessibility to the illicit drugs," De Jesus explained. "And absolutely, if people have the opportunity to carry it with them to the festivals, more power to them, and is again being part of the solution."
They say by understanding how it’s used, you can potentially save a life.
“As someone who has attended these music festivals, I know firsthand, being in the crowds not being able to access the front lines to get to medical personnel having to be carried through the crowd to get the help that you need," said Dr. Singarajah. "So yes, if people had it on hand, they can administer it and be able to save a life.”
Narcan is expected to be available over the counter by end of summer.
If you are in need of Narcan, you can also head to Eisenhower Health into the emergency room and get it for free.
