Pielli introduces bills to allow PA access to opioid treatment drug
Rep. Chris Pielli February 10, 2026 | 12:30 PM
WEST CHESTER, Feb. 10 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, is introducing a two-bill package designed to allow the over-the-counter use of nalmefene, an opioid antagonist drug that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2023.
In 2023, 4,719 individuals died from using opioids. Nearly 77% of those deaths involved fentanyl. Pielli said these potent synthetics can sometimes outlast the effects of naloxone, leading to a potential “re-overdose” once the medication moves through their system. Nalmefene has been approved by the FDA, but Pennsylvania’s Department of Health currently only allows the use of naloxone.
“We cannot continue to discount the ability of other opioid antagonists to save lives,” Pielli said. “Naloxone is a crucial tool for first responders and law enforcement, but it should not be our only option. While our policy continues to stagnate, the illicit drug market evolves, adapts and finds new ways to draw Pennsylvanians into the throes of addiction or, in an unfortunate number of cases, death. This legislation will help our first responders, our law enforcement, and our loved ones.”
Specifically, H.B. 2181 amends the Controlled Substance Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act to allow nalmefene as an approved opioid antagonist for use over the counter, while H.B. 2182 directs the Pennsylvania Department of Health to change its current standing order to include nalmefene as an approved opioid reversal agent for over-the-counter use.