Press Release

Rx EDGE and Emergent BioSolutions Launch Narcan® (naloxone HCI) Nasal Spray Information Initiative

October 21, 2019

East Dundee, IL

To help combat the major opioid public health epidemic and crisis, RxEDGE® Media Network has partnered with Emergent BioSolutions to provide urgently needed and vital educational information at a valuable point of contact: the pharmacy.

Starting this month, Rx EDGE Media Displays in 600 selected pharmacies are promoting the life-saving importance of NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray, which is the FDA-approved nasal spray administered when an opioid overdose has either occurred or is suspected. The displays, located at the shelf in the analgesics section of each pharmacy, feature booklets that contain a wealth of clearly presented educational information about opioid risks, opioid overdoses as well as how to obtain and administer NARCAN® Nasal Spray.

“Pharmacy customers, especially those who take prescribed opioids, will be able to get all this important education at the place where they are most likely to be focused on their healthcare needs,” said Nate Lucht, Chief Executive Officer, Rx EDGE Media Network. “That is why the pharmacy is an ideal location for distributing these patient education booklets not only to those who take opioids, but also to family, friends, caregivers and potential first-responders.

”NARCAN®, which is available without a physician’s prescription, is manufactured by Emergent BioSolutions, Inc., a global life sciences provider of specialty products that address public health threats. The company joined with Rx EDGE to develop the program to help raise awareness about the risks of opioids and the life-saving potential of NARCAN® Nasal Spray. Thom Duddy, Vice President, Communications for Emergent BioSolutions emphasized that the risk of opioid overdose is not limited to those who have an opioid use disorder, but can include accidental opioid overdose from those taking opioids as directed who may have other risk factors as well.

The Narcan® Nasal Spray Information Initiative marks the first partnershipfor Rx EDGE®Media Network with Emergent BioSolutions. Rx EDGE has continued to partner with many leading pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies nationwide on patient education programs.

Indications

NARCAN® (naloxone hydrochloride) Nasal Spray is an opioid antagonist indicated for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or central nervous system depression. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is intended for immediate administration as emergency therapy in settings where opioids may be present. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care.

Important Safety Information
NARCAN® (naloxone HCI)Nasal Spray is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to naloxone hydrochloride or to any of the other ingredients.
Seek emergency medical assistance immediately after initial use, keeping the patient under continued surveillance.

Risk of Recurrent Respiratory and CNS Depression: Due to the duration of action of naloxone relative to the opioid, keep the patient under continued surveillance and administer repeat doses of naloxone using a new nasal spray with each dose, as necessary, while awaiting emergency medical assistance.

Risk of Limited Efficacy with Partial Agonists or Mixed Agonists/Antagonists: Reversal of respiratory depression caused by partial agonists or mixed agonists/antagonists, such as buprenorphine and pentazocine, may be incomplete. Larger or repeat doses may be required.

Precipitation of Severe Opioid Withdrawal: Use in patients who are opioid dependent may precipitate opioid withdrawal characterized by body aches, fever, sweating, runny nose, sneezing, piloerection, yawning, weakness, shivering or trembling, nervousness, restlessness or irritability, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, abdominal cramps, increased blood pressure, and tachycardia. In some patients, there may be aggressive behavior upon abrupt reversal of an opioid overdose. In neonates, opioid withdrawal may be life-threatening if not recognized and properly treated and may also include convulsions, excessive crying, and hyperactive reflexes. Monitor for the development of opioid withdrawal.

Risk of Cardiovascular (CV) Effects: Abrupt postoperative reversal of opioid depression may result in adverse CV effects. These events have primarily occurred in patients who had pre-existing CV disorders or received other drugs that may have similar adverse CV effects. Monitor these patients closely in an appropriate healthcare setting after use of naloxone hydrochloride.

Adverse Reactions: The following adverse reactions were observed in a NARCAN® Nasal Spray clinical study: increased blood pressure, constipation, toothache, muscle spasms, musculoskeletal pain, headache, nasaldryness, nasal edema, nasal congestion, nasal inflammation, rhinalgia, and xeroderma.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact ADAPT Pharma, Inc. at 1-844-4NARCAN (1-844-462-7226) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Please see full Prescribing Information.

About Rx EDGE® Media Network

More than 70 pharma companies spanning 185 therapeutic categories have leveraged the power of Rx EDGE® Media Network because they recognize the importance of the pharmacy channel as an education and communication channel. Rx EDGE® delivers patients to brands through unique online and in-aisle resources with the potential to reach millions of consumers looking for guidance, health services, and prescriptions across the pharmacy network.

About Emergent BioSolutions

Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is a global life sciences company seeking to protect and enhance life by focusing on providing specialty products for civilian and military populations that address accidental, deliberate, and naturally occurring public health threats. We aspire to be a Fortune 500 company recognized for protecting and enhancing life, driving innovation, and living our values. Additional information about the company may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com. Find us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @emergentbiosolu and Instagram @life_at_emergent.

Contact:

Rx EDGE® Media Network
Kathleen Bonetti
EVP Marketing
(847) 879-6036
kathleen.bonetti@rx-edge.com
www.rxedge.com

Emergent BioSolutions
Thom Duddy
Vice President - Communications
(484)532 5470
duddyt@ebsi.com
www.emergentbiosolutions.com