Paris (AFP)

Antidote kits, based on naloxone, to urgently stop an overdose of drug or illegal opioids, can be obtained in pharmacies or in specialized structures, recalls the Agence du médicament on the occasion of World Awareness Day and overdose prevention Saturday.

"In France, the situation is disproportionate" with the opioid crisis of the United States, "but requires the greatest vigilance: more than 500 overdose deaths, including nearly 80% in connection with opioids identified in 2017, could have been avoided, "notes the Directorate General of Health (Ministry).

For the fight against opioid overdoses, the ministry published its "2019-2022 roadmap" at the end of July.

These antidotes, in injectable form or in nasal spray, are aimed at overdoses that can occur with opioid pain medication (morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, tramadol, codeine, etc.), heroin substitution treatments (methadone, buprenorphine) and illegal drugs (heroin, synthetic fentanyloids ...).

The antidote is used while waiting for help. It stops the overdose and allows the person to regain consciousness, but it is still necessary to immediately call the medical aid to receive the necessary care, recalls the ANSM.

The Prenoxad (pre-filled syringe for intramuscular injection) is available since May 2019 in hospitals, care centers, support and prevention in Addiction (CSAPA), reception centers and support for the reduction of risks for Drugs Users (CAARUD). It is also available in pharmacies, according to the ANSM. It can be kept for 3 years and costs 23 euros, reimbursed 65% if it is issued on prescription.

"The procedure for ordering Prenoxad is too complicated, pharmacists must go directly to the laboratory.In practice, it is not really available to all," says Professor Michel Reynaud, President of the Fund Addictions actions.

Nalscue nasal spray, marketed since 2018, is not available in pharmacies, but only in health facilities, CSAPA and CAARUD. It is not reimbursed for lack of price agreement between the laboratory and the public authorities.

A temporary authorization from the ANSM had made it available to about 2,000 patients between 2016 and 2018. In this context, at least 30 people received it during an overdose and no deaths were reported, according to the health agency.

The Indivior laboratory has announced its intention to stop marketing in France in 2020, but three kits of nasal spray (Nyxoid, Naloxone Adapt and Ventizolve) with a marketing authorization (European marketing authorization) will be marketed , says the ANSM without being able to specify the date. But "there are more than 20,000 ready-to-use sprays," she adds.

© 2019 AFP