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U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams has urged more Americans to carry the opioid overdose reversal treatment naloxone, known under brand names such as Narcan and Evzio. However, the drug and its delivery systems have become more expensive in recent years:
As opioid-related deaths have continued to climb, naloxone, a drug that can reverse overdoses, has become an important part of the public health response. When people overdosing struggle to breathe, naloxone can restore normal breathing and save their lives. But the drug has to be given quickly.
On Thursday, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams issued an advisory that encouraged more people to routinely carry naloxone. "The call to action is to recognize if you're at risk," he tells Morning Edition's Rachel Martin. "And if you or a loved one are at risk, keep within reach, know how to use naloxone."
[...] The medicine is now available at retail pharmacies in most states without a prescription. Between 2013 and 2015, researchers found a tenfold increase in naloxone sold by retail pharmacies in the U.S. But prices have increased along with demand. Naloxone-filled syringes that used to cost $6 apiece now cost $30 and up. A two-pack of naloxone nasal spray can cost $135 or more. And a two-pack of automatic naloxone injectors runs more than $3,700. And while it's true that naloxone can prevent many opioid-related deaths, it doesn't solve the root cause of the problem.
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(Score: 5, Informative) by All Your Lawn Are Belong To Us on Saturday April 07 2018, @03:04AM (1 child)
On using it and possibly encountering violence: True. The addict doesn't recognize that they were in a condition where brain damage or death is possible. They don't always come to lucidly (a function of how much opioid to how much naloxone you've pushed) and may strike out at anyone. Projectile vomit is also a possibility and one should be prepared to clear choke - aspirating on vomit can make the situation worse. But ahead of emesis is Rule #1: Always protect yourself first.
However, yes. Family members and/or significant others are one target for this. Or a Good Samaritan, but it isn't the same as pushing aspirin for a possible heart attack.
As to the "two pack thing," that is because the counteraction doesn't necessarily last long and one should be prepared with a second dose if necessary. In a worst-of-the-worst it can last only 5 minutes before another dose is necessary to keep someone breathing. (Well, worst-of-worst is no response...)
The really ironic part.... in my jurisdiction cops can carry and use it as first responders (EMR). Paramedics can. Now family members will be able to. But EMT-Basics? Nope.
This sig for rent.
(Score: 2) by JoeMerchant on Saturday April 07 2018, @03:13AM
SNAFU.
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