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June 10: VDP Formulary, CAD, MCO Search Realignment Now Active

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1.3. Opioid Reversal Agents

Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist that is FDA approved for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory and central nervous system depression. Naloxone is supplied as a nasal spray marketed as Narcan 4 mg/0.1 mL nasal spray, Kloxxado 8 mg/ 0.1 mL nasal spray, Zimhi 5 mg/ 0.5 mL pre-filled injection, and generic formulations are available2,12-14.

In July of 2020 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made the recommendations that healthcare professionals should discuss the availability of naloxone products and consider prescribing naloxone to patients who are prescribed opioid pain relievers and are at increased risk of opioid overdose. Patients at risk of opioid overdose include patients who are co-prescribed benzodiazepines or other drugs that depress the central nervous system, patients with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD), or who have experienced a previous opioid overdose. Healthcare professionals should also consider prescribing naloxone to patients who have other household members, including children, or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or opioid overdose.15 In 2016, the state of Texas, in association with the Texas Pharmacy Association, obtained a physician-signed standing order that allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone products to patients after completing Texas-accredited training. This allows for the sale and possession of naloxone products without a prescription in the state of Texas16.