The FDA has approved Rezenopy (naloxone hydrochloride) nasal spray, an opioid antagonist for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or central nervous system depression.
Opioid pain medications are commonly used in workers’ comp, and even when used responsibly, opioids come with various risks, including potential overdose, highlighting the importance of naloxone drugs such as Rezenopy.
Rezenopy is intended for immediate administration as emergency therapy in settings where opioids may be present and is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Individuals experiencing an opioid overdose should seek emergency medical care after use. Use of Rezenopy in patients who are opioid dependent may trigger opioid withdrawal.
Rezenopy comes in a 10 mg dosage, the highest naloxone dosage available via prescription, as all other available naloxone medications contain smaller doses. It is worth noting that a recent CDC study found that comparing a higher dose naloxone nasal spray (8mg) to a lower dose one (4mg) showed no significant difference in survival or in the number of doses administered to recipients. Stronger opioid antagonists were found to be associated with a higher prevalence of opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms.
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