ASA Welcomes FDA Approval of Newest Over-The-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) applauds the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of Rextovy, a new over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray for use in the emergency treatment of opioid overdose.  

ASA has long supported expanded community access to naloxone as an essential tool in combating the opioid epidemic. In 2023, ASA submitted formal comments and presented testimony before the FDA’s Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and the Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory Committee in support of making naloxone available without a prescription – ensuring that patients, families, and bystanders have this life-saving medication on hand when every second counts. Broader naloxone access, combined with effective addiction treatments, can significantly reduce opioid overdose fatalities and support equitable treatment options across the country.   

ASA commends the FDA for its decisive action and will continue advocating for policies that effectively address the opioid epidemic and expand patient safety measures.