As recently as a year ago, the Swedish Medicines Agency said no to over-the-counter naloxone. The reason was that within the framework of the approval of naloxone, it was included that the person receiving the drug must receive information on how it should be used. But now the authority is swinging, after a meeting with the Minister of Social Affairs and the National Board of Health and Welfare.
The solution that the Swedish Medicines Agency has come up with is that the pharmacy staff is responsible for those instructions.
– One of the most important things is that you can only spray once, the package only contains one dose. It differs from other types of nasal sprays that you might test before using, says Paulina Tuvendal, senior investigator at the Medical Products Agency.
Printed for those at risk
Today, naloxone may only be prescribed by doctors and nurses directly to people who are at risk of overdose. The new assessment means that anyone can buy the nasal spray.
– It opens up very good opportunities for the individual, but also for relatives and organizations that come into contact with people who abuse drugs, says Forssmed.
In Sweden, approximately 900 people die from drug or medication poisoning each year, with opioids being the most common cause. About half of opioid overdoses occur in public spaces.
The government’s narcotics investigation that was presented last autumn proposed a new law which means that staff at, for example, shelters and professional groups such as police officers and security guards should be able to have naloxone available.
Up to the manufacturers
Manufacturers are now required to submit an application to the Medical Products Agency that naloxone may be sold without a prescription, says Forssmed.
– I also want to draw the attention of the companies that do this, that manufacture this product, to this new relationship. Now you can participate and actually assist in saving more lives in Sweden through this.
He estimates that sales can begin within a few months. What the price will be is not clear. Today, a package with two doses costs SEK 500.