Sweden makes naloxone spray an OTC product, to prevent opioid overdose deaths

 Naloxone nasal spray, which can save opioid users from overdoses, will soon be available without prescription in Sweden. The move seeks to increase early interventions outside healthcare settings, marking a major shift in Swedish drug policy.

Sweden will join France and the UK in making a naloxone nasal spray available to individuals over the counter. The drug has been used in American and European healthcare for more than 50 years as a potent opioid antagonist drug, that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid-based drugs.

“The opioid reversal drug naloxone saves lives, but its availability in Sweden has been too low. I am pleased to announce today that it will soon be sold over the counter in Swedish pharmacies. This will save lives,” said the Social Affairs Minister and Christian Democrat, Jakob Forssmed.

The announcement came after the Swedish Medical Products Agency decided on 19 March 19 to allow the over-the-counter sale of Respinal, a naloxone nasal spray made by the Norwegian company DNE Pharma. (...)