Naloxone shortage could lead to thousands of avoidable overdose deaths

Katie Adams -

A shortage of Pfizer's lifesaving overdose reversal drug naloxone could precipitate a surge in overdose deaths, North Carolina Health News reported Oct. 22.

In August, Pfizer halted production of its single-dose vial version of naloxone because of a manufacturing issue it's been working with the FDA to solve. 

Drug experts estimate the shortage will mean about 1 million fewer naloxone doses, which could lead to as many as 18,000 avoidable overdose deaths.

Pfizer expects the shortage to continue through February, according to the report.

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