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(Health-NewsWire.Net, May 25, 2015 ) Dallas, TX -- While heroin related deaths continuously increases nationwide, more states are adopting the idea to implement the use of naloxone and making it easier to access. However, U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess believes that naloxone should be made even easier to access.
Burgess proposes that naloxone, an opioid antagonist, should be sold over the counter in pharmacies. The congressman believes that naloxone is still too challenging for some to access. Burgess believes that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should allow the drug to be sold over the counter. Burgess defends his proposal in his statement, "If it were available at a 24-hour pharmacy, not saying it could save every life at risk, it could save some. The downside of having it available is what?".
Naloxone has the capability to block the effects of opioid drugs such as heroin. The antidote can be administered by needle or nasal spray. It's opioid antagonist properties can cause an overdose victim to immediately experience withdrawal, if administered in a timely fashion. Advocates for Burgess' proposal view naloxone as playing an essential tool in reducing harm caused by the continuous opioid epidemic.
Currently the availability of naloxone is limited due to it's high cost and state legislation being stagnant in approving paramedics and police officers to carry the antidote. A FDA spokesperson stated that prior to considering Burgess' proposal to make naloxone more accessible, the manufacturers of naloxone would need to apply to sell naloxone over the counter without a prescription.
"I agree that expanding the availability of naloxone could help save more lives. However, I am hopeful that naloxone being available over the counter won't cause heroin addicts to abuse it. I think that the FDA should strongly consider making naloxone available over the counter. With so many heroin related deaths occurring yearly, this would be a significant approach to saving countless individuals from potentially fatal heroin overdoses." commented an associate from Drug and Alcohol Rehab Dallas.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Dallas is a 24/7 medically supervised drug and alcohol rehab in Dallas, TX. The rehab center specializes in providing a variety of addiction and recovery services designed to treat addiction on all levels. The team of addiction specialists at Drug and Alcohol Rehab Dallas are genuinely dedicated to helping each patient successfully overcome their addiction. Every patient is provided with an individualized treatment plan which has been customized to meet their unique needs.
About Drug and Alcohol Rehab Dallas:
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Dallas is a comprehensive addiction treatment center in Dallas, TX. The center specializes in treating addiction on every level with their comprehensive addiction and recovery services.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Dallas
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Dallas Drug and Alcohol Rehab Dallas
(469) 619-5219
info@drugandalcoholrehabdallas.com
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