Conference Coverage

Autoinjector Use for Opioid Overdose Reversal Gains Support Among U.S. Adults

Edited by:
Kate Young

Key Highlights

  • 83% of respondents said they would be willing to use an opioid-overdose autoinjector on a loved one.
  • 75% reported no ready access to opioid antagonists despite perceiving potential need.
  • Familiarity with autoinjectors was high, though direct experience varied.
  • Needle discomfort was a barrier for only a small minority (13%).

A national online survey presented at the 2025 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting in Las Vegas, NV, evaluated whether U.S. adults would be willing to use an FDA-approved autoinjector to reverse a presumed opioid overdose. The findings indicate substantial public openness to administering opioid antagonists in community settings, a key consideration as clinicians seek scalable harm-reduction strategies.

Researchers surveyed adults aged 18–70 residing in the United States using an online panel constructed with demographic quotas for gender, age, race and ethnicity, geographic region, and household income. After completing demographic questions and reporting previous familiarity or experience with autoinjectors, participants reviewed background information on the opioid overdose epidemic and a description of an FDA-approved autoinjector indicated for opioid overdose reversal.

Willingness and comfort to administer the device to a loved one, acquaintance, or stranger were measured on 7-point Likert scales, with scores of 6–7 denoting willingness or comfort. Agreement with device-related statements was assessed similarly.

Study Findings

Among the 515 respondents, 55% believed it was possible or very possible they might encounter an overdose situation. Parents and grandparents were more likely than non-parents to rate the likelihood as “very possible” (28% vs 18%; P < .05). Despite this concern, 75% reported lacking ready access to opioid antagonists.

Familiarity with autoinjectors varied: 37% had used or assisted with one previously, 53% had heard of autoinjectors without direct experience, and 12% had no prior awareness. After reviewing the device description, willingness to use the autoinjector was high. According to the study results, the percentage of those willing to use the autoinjector was 83% for loved ones, 68% for acquaintances, and 53% for strangers. Comfort ratings followed similar patterns (76%, 61%, and 47%, respectively).

Perceptions of device usability were largely positive. Most respondents agreed the autoinjector appeared easy to use (56%), would deliver the correct dose (61%), and could be administered through clothing (51%). Only 13% said they would avoid use due to needle discomfort.

Clinical Implications

According to the authors, the findings underscore a mismatch between perceived need and access to opioid reversal agents in the community. Respondents demonstrated strong willingness and comfort to act in an overdose emergency, particularly for loved ones, suggesting autoinjectors may help broaden community preparedness. The authors also note that education could enhance familiarity and potentially increase adoption of autoinjector-based overdose response.

Expert Commentary

“Autoinjectors may provide additional options for people to deliver life-saving medicine to those in need,” the researchers concluded. “Education could further increase familiarity and use of autoinjectors.”

Reference
Alfieri T, Erensen JG. Laypeople express a willingness and comfort to use autoinjectors as an option for reversing the symptoms of opioid overdoses. Presented at ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting; Las Vegas, NV. December 7-10, 2025. Accessed December 5. https://midyear2025.eventscribe.net/fsPopup.asp?efp=V0lBRFdHT1YyNTEwOQ&PosterID=757192&rnd=0.9057298&mode=posterInfo