In late January, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced a standing order for the opiod overdose reversal drug OPVEE (nalmefene). New Hampshire joins 16 other states in placing a standing order for the opioid antagonist, with MCH now carrying the medication to combat fentanyl overdoses.
The active ingredient in OPVEE, nalmefene, blocks the opoid receptors in the brain to reverse the effects of an overdose. Similar to naloxone (commonly known by its brand name Narcan), OPVEE is a nasal spray that is available over the counter for individuals to stock in their homes if they or others around them are at risk of an overdose.
OPVEE also has a longer half-life of 11 hours compared to Narcan, which has a half-life of two hours. This allows OPVEE to stay in the system longer to treat an overdose. One study cited by GoodRX found that OPVEE restored breathing approximately twice as quickly as Narcan, and worked especially well against the synthetic opioid Ultiva.
Many fire and EMS departments across the state carry Narcan for overdose encounters. The benefits of the longer half-life boasted by OPVEE are apparent when it comes to lingering opioids like fentanyl. Peterborough Fire Chief Ed Walker said that despite their interactions with overdoses being much shorter than those conducted at MCH, reabsorption has been a concern that OPVEE could assist with.
“It’s a medication like any other medication,” said Walker. “It may be beneficial if it’s something that can help with reabsorption of the opioids.”
According to the state Department of Health and Human Services, the state spent $3 million in state opioid response funds to assist in public access to naloxone over the past year. In 2023, New Hampshire became the first state in the country to offer NaloxBoxes, allowing communities to have a prepared and accessible stock of Narcan.
“Yet again, New Hampshire is increasing access to every resource possible in our continued work to combat substance use disorder and save lives,” stated Gov. Chris Sununu. “With this tool, we increase opportunity to partner Granite Staters in need with the variety of recovery resources available and put them on a path to a brighter future.”
Naloxone is approved for use of individuals 12 years of age and older. There are no age restrictions on nalmefene.
“Nalmefene is emerging as one more tool at our disposal as we work to prevent opioid overdose deaths,” stated DHHS Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Ballard. “As we broaden the availability of nalmefene and other opioid antagonist agents such as naloxone, people will have increased access to life-saving measures during an emergency.”
OPVEE is stocked for exigent use at MCH and is mandated to be carried state-wide in pharmacies.