New research published in JAMA Network shows that nationwide naloxone prescriptions declined at the start of the pandemic and have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.

On April 30, FDA announced the approval of a higher dosage of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray (Kloxxado—Hikma Pharmaceuticals) to treat opioid overdose. The newly approved product delivers 8 mg of naloxone into the nasal cavity, compared with previously approved 2- and 4-mg naloxone nasal spray products.

More than 87,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in the 12-month period that ended in September 2020, according to preliminary CDC data, which indicate that the U.S. drug overdose mortality rate increased last year.