The FDA approved a handheld auto-injector version of naloxone, a treatment for heroin and other opioid overdoses that could prevent deaths from overdoses 

Klobuchar recently spoke with the FDA Commissioner about the importance of overdose-reversal drugs, and also led a roundtable discussion in Minnesota earlier this year which highlighted the drugs as a critical lifesaving tool in the fight against the ongoing heroin epidemic

This week, Klobuchar also pressed the DEA to immediately implement her bipartisan legislation to expand drug take back programs; with as many as four out of five heroin users having previously abused prescription drugs, Klobuchar called on the DEA to provide Americans with these expanded options to safely dispose of their unused medications 

Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) said the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of a drug to reverse heroin overdoses is an important step in the effort to save lives. The FDA announced its approval of a handheld auto-injector form of naloxone, a treatment for heroin and other opioid overdoses that could prevent deaths from overdoses.  Klobuchar spoke with the FDA Commissioner about the importance of overdose-reversal drugs, and also led a roundtable discussion earlier this year which highlighted overdose-reversal drugs as a critical lifesaving tool. State Senator Chris Eaton also has introduced legislation to increase access to naloxone.

“The heroin epidemic in Minnesota and all across the country is deadly, and we need every resource available to prevent these tragic losses,” Klobuchar said. “The FDA’s approval of Evzio provides a powerful lifesaving tool to communities struggling with abuse, and I will continue to work to make sure we are using every tool available to fight this deadly epidemic.”

This week, Klobuchar also pressed the DEA to immediately implement bipartisan legislation that she passed in 2010 to expand drug take back programs. With as many as four out of five heroin users having previously abused prescription drugs, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Klobuchar demanded that the DEA provide Americans with these expanded options to safely dispose of their unused medications.

Heroin use has become a major problem in communities across Minnesota.  In 2013, there were 54 deaths caused by heroin overdoses in Hennepin County. Hospital emergency departments visits for heroin have nearly tripled from 2004 to 2011. In the 7,000-person community of St. Francis, three young people have died of opiate-related overdoses since May.

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