FDA approves easy-to-use heroin overdose antidote

April 2014

News from the US: A heroin overdose-reversal drug system has been approved by the FDA. Called Evzio, the device contains naloxone, a long-used antidote for overdoses that is usually administered by syringe in ambulances or ERs. But with the rise in drug overdose deaths, there has been a growing push to equip more people with the protection.

Friends and family will be able to take the first step to save a loved one from an overdose of heroin or powerful painkillers called opioids.

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved an easy-to-use device that automatically injects the right dose of an overdose antidote named naloxone before an ambulance arrives. Doctors could prescribe it for family members or caregivers to keep on hand, in a pocket or a medicine cabinet.

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