Narcan Nears its 10 Years as a Nasal Spray and Has Saved Many Thousands of Lives

In November of 2015, the FDA drastically changed the lives of people who might have succumbed to their opioid addiction. This was the year they approved the use of Narcan Nasal Spray, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in just minutes.

Since its approval, Narcan has been used countless times to save individuals from potentially fatal overdoses. It has become an essential tool for first responders and family members of those at risk for opioid overdose. Even today, its use continues to expand, with changes coming in the form of OTC (over-the-counter) distribution, generic options, and decreased stigma surrounding its use.

The Evolution of Narcan Nasal Spray

The history of naloxone is nothing short of extraordinary, and even a bit frustrating for those who understand just how powerful this medication is. In fact, naloxone has been around for over 50 years, having been developed in the 1960s by Jack Fishman, a researcher who originally was studying steroids and hormones at the Sloan–Kettering Institute for Cancer Research. In his quest to find a cure for one of the many side-effects of opioids (constipation), Fishman synthesized the drug which received FDA approval in 1971.

Unfortunately, it would take almost 30 years before an over-the-counter version of naloxone called Narcan would start to become widely distributed. New Mexico was the first state to take this initiative in 2001. While the availability of Narcan to the public can only be lauded as a positive step forward, one can only wonder if more lives could have been saved had this happened sooner. Nevertheless, the continued expansion of Narcan distribution is a welcomed and necessary change to combat the opioid epidemic.

Narcan’s Impact

It’s difficult to estimate just how many people have been saved by Narcan or naloxone nasal spray. Some estimates from 2015 put that number at 27,000 from at-home kits alone! It’s only right to assume that the actual number of Narcan saves is much higher due to the increased availability of this life-saving drug.

Furthermore, studies have shown that naloxone nasal spray has been successful in reversing opioid overdoses in over 99% of people. This is proof that Narcan’s impact is highly tailored, highly effective, and highly needed.

Is Narcan Still Necessary?

Narcan continues to reign supreme, especially in distribution centers, ambulances, and law enforcement agencies. But is it still necessary since there are now stronger doses of naloxone available? Absolutely!

A recent CDC study on naloxone effectiveness found that both Narcan and its more potent form, Kloxxado, were equally effective in reversing opioid overdoses. However, since Kloxxado is available at 8mg vs. Narcan’s 4mg, it is vital to have both options available for different scenarios.

Additionally, while Kloxxado may be more potent, it also has potentially stronger withdrawal effects. That’s because as soon as the opioid receptors are blocked, it can cause withdrawal symptoms in those who are physically dependent on opioids. These withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and increased blood pressure among others.

In short, Narcan has less severe withdrawal symptoms and is still necessary as a first-line defense against opioid overdoses. But, Kloxxado’s potency makes it an excellent addition to have in emergency situations where higher doses may be needed.

What Can We Do to Prevent Overdose Deaths?

While Narcan’s effectiveness cannot be disputed, it is only a temporary solution to the larger issue of opioid addiction. Yes, Narcan is highly impactful and is a truly life-saving intervention during an overdose, but it is not a replacement for emergency medical care and long-term treatment for substance use disorder.

If you suspect someone is having an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately. While you wait for emergency responders to arrive, administer Narcan if available. To do so, insert the nasal spray into one nostril and press the plunger to release the medication. If the person does not respond within 2-3 minutes, administer a second dose in the second nostril.

In addition to administering Narcan in cases of overdose, there are also steps we can take to prevent opioid-related deaths from occurring. These include:

1. Access to naloxone: As of March 2023, Narcan is now available as an OTC medication per the FDA. This means that it can be purchased without a prescription at many pharmacies and is more readily accessible to the general public.
2. Education on the signs of an overdose: Being able to recognize when someone is experiencing an opioid overdose can save lives. Signs include unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, blue lips or fingertips, and loss of consciousness.
3. Being proactive with Narcan: If you have a loved one struggling with opioid addiction, it may be helpful to educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of an overdose and carry Narcan with you. This can be especially important when traveling or attending events where drug use may be prevalent.
4. Encouraging treatment for substance use disorder: Narcan is not a cure for addiction, and it is crucial to encourage those struggling with opioid addiction to seek long-term treatment options. These may include medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and support groups.

Keep Calm and Carry Narcan

Since its development in the 1960s, naloxone has been a lifesaving medication for those experiencing opioid overdose. With ever-increasing rates of opioid-related deaths, it has become more important than ever to ensure access to this medication and educate the public on its use. Narcan will now, and in the foreseeable future, be a key tool in combatting the opioid epidemic and saving lives. Visit Narcan-Finder.com to find free and low-cost Narcan (and other formulations of naloxone, like Kloxxado and ZIMHI) in your area