Narcan, opioid overdose antidote, to be sold over-the-counter next week.

Starting next week, Narcan, an opioid overdose antidote, will be available for purchase without a prescription at pharmacies across the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the sale of Narcan Nasal Spray over-the-counter to make it more accessible to those at risk of opioid overdose or to anyone who may be in a position to help someone experiencing an overdose.

Narcan Nasal Spray contains naloxone, a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and blocking the opioids' effects. It can temporarily restore breathing in someone overdosing on opioids, providing a life-saving measure until emergency medical help arrives.

Making Narcan available over-the-counter aims to increase its accessibility and provide immediate aid in case of an overdose. It is a response to the opioid crisis, which has significantly increased in recent years, with millions of people affected by opioid addiction and thousands dying from overdoses annually.

By offering Narcan without a prescription, it is hoped that more individuals, including friends and family members of those at risk, are better equipped to respond in an emergency situation.