Narcan is expected to be available over the counter by late summer 2023. The change may decrease barriers to accessing naloxone but could increase the cost and compromise existing harm reduction programmes. Annual opioid overdose deaths have increased more than eightfold since 1999.3 People from low income groups, rural areas, and communities of colour are disproportionately affected.4 Access to naloxone, deemed essential by the World Health Organization,5 is recognised as a public health priority. Naloxone has been sold over-the-counter in Italy since 1996 and is also available in Canada, Australia, and Europe without prescription. Access to naloxone and other evidence based harm reduction strategies …

Source: New York Times April 25, 2023 09:37 UTC