Here’s what you need to know to get Narcan over the counter
According to Mahoning County Public Health, anyone who uses high doses of opioid pain medication or uses recreational opioids is at risk of overdose.
Narcan is an emergency opioid overdose reversal treatment and the standard treatment for overdoses.
This year, Narcan was approved for the first time for over-the-counter, nonprescription sales, approved by both the FDA and the manufacturer of the spray.
It’s the first naloxone product approved for use without a prescription, able to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Emergent BioSolutions Inc.’s spray for over-the-counter use in March.
According to Harm Reduction Ohio, heroin, cocaine, meth, ecstasy and other illegal drugs could contain fentanyl or a fentanyl analog that can cause an opioid overdose, not including marijuana.
Prescription opiates, like fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine, in high doses can also cause overdoses.
Now that people can get Narcan over the counter without talking to a pharmacist first, and through free programs like Project Dawn, the treatment can be available more often to save lives.
Here’s what we know about it so far about over-the-counter Narcan:
Who manufactures Narcan?
Emergent manufactures the Narcan nasal spray.
The company is better known for developing and manufacturing countermeasures for biological threats like anthrax and smallpox.
How much will it cost?
The over-the-counter spray costs about $45 for two doses. Emergent says it will lower the price to $41 for public interest groups, like community organizations and first responders.
Narcan’s cost is important because most health insurers don’t cover it without a prescription. Brand-name, prescription Narcan can cost upwards of $130, but that’s often covered by insurance.
When and where will it be available?
Over-the-counter Narcan will be available in stores as soon as this year, according to a statement from the manufacturer.
Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS will carry the spray, along with Walmart. It will be easy to find at checkout registers and pharmacy counters, and even available for delivery for some customers.
Can you get Narcan for free?
According to Harm Reduction Ohio, at no cost to Ohio residents, you can order Narcan nasal spray or intramuscular naloxone online and get it through the mail.
You can also get Narcan through the Ohio Department of Health-Project DAWN, a network of Ohio-based drug overdose education and naloxone distribution programs.
Project DAWN programs provide take-home Narcan kits to the public for free.
For more information about Project DAWN, call 330-270-2855 at extension 125; learn more at Mahoning County Public Health.
To receive the Project Dawn kit with Narcan, you’ll need to fill out an online registration form; you can find more Narcan resources and information online.
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This story was originally published September 15, 2023 at 4:00 AM.