For patients who require opioids to manage their pain, having a life-saving opioid reversal medication on hand is imperative for mitigating the effects of respiratory depression. According to recent data from the Drug Overdose Death Rates | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), while overdose deaths involving illicit opioids are increasing, overdose deaths involving prescription opioids are not improving.
The CDC recommends opioid reversal medication When to Offer Naloxone to Patients (e.g., naloxone, Narcan, Kloxxado) being available to all patients prescribed opioids and calls out several additional considerations that place patients at even higher risks for overdose.
Recently, on March 13, 2024, the White House announced its White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose | The White House. This calls for even more access and education on opioid reversal medications and how we can support efforts to reduce deaths by overdose.
While each health plan carrier will have its preferred reversal medication, resources such as Next Distro: Free Naloxone Access for Impacted Communities — NEXT Distro can provide insights into state guidelines and patient education and help overcome barriers to receiving supplies.
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axialHealthcare is a risk management solution that identifies and addresses opioid-related risk in patient populations. The solution provides timely, interactive tools to providers that allow for data-driven decision-making at the point of care. axialHealthcare is the risk mitigation solution of Wayspring, a company that provides end-to-end support for members with substance use disorder. If you or someone you know could benefit from additional support while living with substance use disorder, learn more by visiting Wayspring.com.