New nasal spray can help combat opioid overdoses

April 19--There's a new option for combatting opioid overdoses.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved a generic version of Narcan, naloxone hydrochloride, that comes in a nasal spray.

Baton Rouge, La., TV station WAFB reports that Narcan is typically injected. The new spray will make it possible for people without medical training to administer the life-saving drug.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, on average, an estimated 130 Americans die each day from overdosing on opioids, which are prescription pills that are used to treat pain.

A number of efforts have been undertaken in recent years to make Narcan more accessible, including plans to introduce an over-the-counter version of the drug.

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