PHILADELPHIA- The U.S. FDA has announced that Narcan nasal spray, a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, has been approved for sale over the counter. Health Commissioner, Dr. Cheryl Bettigole, has released the following statement in response.

“The Philadelphia Department of Public Health applauds this move by the FDA to help make Narcan (Naloxone) more readily available. Narcan is safe, easy to use, and potentially lifesaving. We hope that this change helps more Philadelphians access this important medication in their communities.”

For information from the Health Department on harm reduction and how to combat substance use, please visit Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction.