The FDA Approves the Overdose Reversing Drug, Narcan For Over-The-Counter Sales

By Joe Hernandez, NPR

"The overdose-reversing drug Narcan could soon be available to buy over the counter without a prescription, the Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday. The FDA's approval of the nasal spray Narcan -- the brand name for the drug naloxone -- means the medication could be more widely available across the U.S. as the country continues to grapple with an opioid epidemic.

Today's action paves the way for the life-saving medication to reverse an opioid overdose to be sold directly to consumers in place like drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores and gas stations, as well as online," the FDA said in a statement.

Emergent BioSolutions, the drug company that produces Narcan, said on Wednesday that it hoped to make the nasal spray available on store shelves and at online retailers by late summer. It did not immediately say how much it would cost.

"Today's landmark FDA OTC approval for Narcan Nasal Spray marks a historic milestone as we have delivered on our commitment to make this important emergency treatment widely accessible, given the alarming rates of opioid overdoses occuring across the country," Emergent BioSolutions CEO Robert G. Kramer said in a statement."

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The Horrific Rise of Xylazine, the Flesh-Destroying Drug Making Fentanyl Even Deadlier

By Wildfred Chan, The Guardian

"Fentanyl - the deadliest drug in the country - is getting even more dangerous. Across the United States, the opioid is increasingly being mixed with xylazine, a powerful tranquilizer that's approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in animals such as horses. But on the streets it's known as "tranq" or "tranq dope", and it's been across the country.

The substance was first found mixed with heroin in Puerto Rico as early as two decades ago. Today the national epicenter of the crisis is Philadelphia, where xylazine appeared in the drug supply as early as 2006, and was found in over 90% of the city's lab-tested dope samples in 2021."

Last week, the US Drug Enforcement Administration issued an alert about a "sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine", saying it had seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 out of 50 states. The FDA has vowed to crack down on imports of the drug, and a new bill in Congress would add xylazine to the DEA's list of controlled substances."

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What's Happening At Coalition Rx?

Too Good For Drugs and Violence Program

Students at Linden Elementary School in Fremont, NE learned about the importance of effective communication!

Children with effective communication skills are better able to handle conflict peacefully. Children who are effective communicators are better able to make decisions consistent with their goals.

New Staff Highlight!

Barbie Hutchison

Too Good For Drugs and

Violence Program Facilitator

Coalition Rx is excited to have Barbie Hutchison, a local substitute teacher in our community! Barbie is excited to work with our students and community in a different capacity.

National DEA Drug Take-Back

We are less than 1 month away from the National DEA Drug-Take Back! Coalition Rx will be hosting a drop-off site at the Walgreens in La Vista with the Ralston Police Department, come see us and dispose of your prescriptions safely.

The More You Know

Too Good For Drugs and Violence:

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs

Having knowledge about the hazardous consequences of misusing prescription and over-the-counter drugs is an essential factor in safeguarding oneself. It is crucial to develop a precise understanding of the potential harm that can result from using these drugs to protect children from the risk of misuse or accidental abuse. In addition, proactive measures such as safe storage and administration practices in the household can help reinforce the importance of using prescription medication safely and prevent accidental misuse.

Looking Forward

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Help Reduce the Misuse of Substances of Abuse

Founded in 2015, our mission is to reduce the misuse of all substances of abuse by raising awareness and partnering with community organizations to provide public and professional education, prevention and treatment resources, and policy advocacy.

Carey Pomykata

Co-Founder/Executive Director

(402) 871-5622