FDA requires label change for opioids to encourage healthcare professionals to prescribe naloxone

The FDA recently issued a Drug Safety Communication that will require manufacturers to update labels for opioid pain medications and medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). The labeling will be updated to recommend that health care professionals discuss the availability and use of naloxone with patients, both when beginning the medication and when renewing treatment. In addition, the labeling will recommend that health care providers prescribe naloxone to patients who are at an increased risk for overdose, including those who are also taking benzodiazepines; those who have a history of OUD; those who have previously experienced an overdose; and for patients who have household members at risk for accidental ingestion or overdose.