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Committee backs narrow approach to allow distribution of recently expired naloxone
Summary
Lawmakers advanced SB 87, which would permit distribution and use of naloxone up to two years past labeled expiration and require education when expired product is supplied. Sponsor Senator Plumb cited studies and interstate precedents in Colorado and Montana.
Senator Plumb told the committee that rising naloxone costs and short labeled shelf-lives have strained first-responder and public-health budgets and that several states have adopted approaches to extend practical access.
"Naloxone is the opioid antagonist. It's the virtual reversal drug," Plumb said, describing the drug's life-saving role in opioid overdose. She said some studies show naloxone retains potency long after labeled expiration and said Colorado and Montana passed laws allowing expired naloxone to be carried and distributed.
Plumb said Utah's substitute takes a conservative start: it would permit distribution or use of naloxone up to two years past its labeled expiration and would require education when expired product is supplied so recipients understand potency risks and redundancy recommendations.
Committee member Senator Buss offered a brief personal endorsement, saying, "As someone whose life has been saved with expired EpiPens, I support this a lot." After sponsor comment and a motion by Senator Buss, the committee passed the first substitute of SB 87 out favorably.
Supporters said the change could reduce waste and save public agencies hundreds of thousands of dollars in replacement costs while maintaining careful safeguards.
