Novel Intranasal Naloxone Device Successfully Reduces Opioid Overdose Deaths

A study presented at the American Academy of Pain Medicine 2017 Annual Meeting found that deployment of intranasal naloxone delivery devices in emergency overdose situations significantly reduces the risk of death from opioid overdose. 

“From medical professionals to family members, a comprehensive strategy that educates, informs, provides preventative tools, and supports those in need for rehabilitation and longer-term recovery is key to making an impact on the epidemic,” George Avetian, DO, lead study author and a primary care physician in Pennsylvania, said in a press release.

In order to understand the real-world efficacy of intranasal naloxone formulation, the researchers surveyed 152 first responders and community-based organizations. Survey respondents were those known to have received units of approved 4 mg naloxone nasal spray. The survey collected data on organization’s experiences using the spray within their communities. 

According to the study results, there were data on 261 attempted overdoses among the survey responses. Respondents reported that overdoses were related to heroin 95.4% of the time and fentanyl in 5.2% of cases. 

The researchers found that naloxone nasal spray was successful in 98.8% of the cases reported with outcomes data reported. Additionally, survey data showed that 97.6% of cases only required one or two doses of spray. 

“The most impressive and important aspect of this research are the outcomes observed,” Dr Avertian said. “The high reversal rate is a welcome surprise given that ‘success’ truly means lives saved. This data shows that intranasal naloxone 4 mg works in the community setting, and that it can, will and does play a vital role in impacting the opioid epidemic our communities face. —David Costill