Illinois approves nasal spray to fight overdose

A new nasal spray was approved by the FDA for first responders to use in cases of fentanyl overdoses.

Endorsed by former United States Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, OPVEE is the first nalmefene nasal spray to be approved by the FDA. Adams says the spray could be more effective than Narcan in certain situations. “It was designed specifically to respond to a fentanyl overdose,” Adams said. “Scientists looked at the potency of fentanyl, the quick onset, sometimes the very long duration of fentanyl. They designed an agent that was specific to the pharmaceutical kinetics and the pharmaceutical dynamics of fentanyl.”

The East Moline Police Department says through the years, they’ve seen trends in the opioid crisis and are open to making changes to better serve the community. “We’ve seen multiple instances where subjects are completely unresponsive,” Lt. David Rummery said. “It’s definitely different. We obviously are not typically the first person or primary administrator for Narcan.”

Rummery reflected on treating citizens with overdose reversal nasal sprays. East Moline Police Officers use Narcan, a brand of Nalaxone, which is described as a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. “They’ve definitely shown significant efectiveness,” Rummery said. “We’ve seen very quick reversals of those overdoses be they again intentional, or accidental.”

Illinois is one of 19 states where the medicine is available through statewide standing orders. In Illinois’ standing order, first responders and teachers in schools are allowed to us the nasal spray if a student is experiencing an overdose. “They can be in a position to save a life,” Adams said. “Whether at a school, at a concert or if you’re a first responder being called to respond to an opioid overdose.”

The United States Food and Drug Administration approved OPVEE for use last May.

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