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14 Results (showing 1 - 10)
Results sorted by posted date (oldest first)
Results sorted by posted date (oldest first)
Posted 8/11/2020 (updated 4/2/2024)
Non-fatal opioid overdose (NFOO) is a significant cause of opioid-related morbidity in the United States. As the number of NFOOs continues to grow, it is important to understand the short- and long-term consequences of NFOO. This report examines the existing literature on the acute and chronic health and functional outcomes of individuals who experience NFOO, and also identifies differences in outcomes for NFOOs involving illicitly-manufactured fentanyl.
Posted 3/10/2021 (updated 4/5/2024)
The 2020 National Drug Threat Assessment (NDTA) is a comprehensive assessment of the threat posed to the United States by the trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs, the diversion and abuse of licit drugs, and the laundering of proceeds generated through illicit drug sales. It also addresses the role domestic groups, including organized violent gangs, serve in domestic drug trafficking. The most widely trafficked drugs are discussed in terms of their availability, consumption and overdose related deaths, production and cultivation, transportation, and distribution.
Posted 5/3/2021 (updated 4/10/2024)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on April 30, 2021 the approval of a higher dose naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray product to treat opioid overdose. The newly approved product delivers 8 milligrams (mg) of naloxone into the nasal cavity. The FDA had previously approved 2 mg and 4 mg naloxone nasal spray products.
Naloxone is a medicine that can be administered by individuals with or without medical training to help reduce opioid overdose deaths. If naloxone is administered quickly, it can counter the opioid overdose effects, usually within minutes. A higher dose of naloxone provides an additional option in the treatment of opioid overdoses.
Posted 3/24/2022 (updated 3/27/2024)
If you received specific disposal instructions from your healthcare provider (e.g., doctor, pharmacist) for your unused or expired medicine, you should follow those instructions to dispose of your medicine. The best disposal option is to find a drug take back location, which may be found in retail, hospital, or clinic pharmacies; and/or law enforcement facilities.
Posted 3/24/2022 (updated 3/27/2024)
Use the search engine above maintained by the DEA to find permanent drug disposal locations.
Posted 2/28/2023 (updated 3/27/2024)
In November 2022, the FDA issued a letter providing information on the severe ulcerations that can occur from repeated xylazine exposure, withdrawal symptoms, and the interference xylazine can cause on successful treatment. The FDA continues to investigate the source of xylazine in the illicit drug supply. Health care professionals are strongly encouraged to report events in humans associated with xylazine exposure.
Posted 3/14/2023 (updated 3/27/2024)
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced proposed rules for the prescribing of controlled medications via telemedicine beyond the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. One rule addresses the expansion of induction of buprenorphine via telemedicine encounter while the other covers telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances when the practitioner and the patient have not had a prior in-person medical evaluation. While opioid use disorders occur at similar rates in both rural and urban areas, medication assisted treatment (MAT) prescribers have been disproportionately located in urban areas. The public will be able to comment on the proposed rules until March 31st.
Posted 4/4/2023 (updated 3/27/2024)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the makers of Narcan, an opioid overdose treatment, have the agency’s approval to make the drug widely available over the counter (OTC). Narcan is the brand name of the drug naloxone, a fast-acting overdose reversal. Until now, availability varied by state – typically restricted to licensed health care providers, approved opioid overdose programs, and first responders. This is an important consideration for rural counties given that research shows that these areas are nearly three times more likely than metropolitan counties to be a low-dispensing county for naloxone.
Posted 4/14/2023 (updated 3/27/2024)
The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is on April 22, 2023. If you have unused or expired prescription medications, you can locate a safe and convenient disposal drop off location using the U.S Drug Enforcement Association's (DEA) website. The DEA aims to help the public remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.
Posted 5/26/2023 (updated 3/27/2024)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Brixadi (buprenorphine) extended-release injection for subcutaneous use (under the skin) to treat moderate to sever opioid use disorder (OUD). Buprenorphine is a safe and effective medication for OUD treatment.