Narcan nasal spray for overdoses will be available over-the-counter at major pharmacies
Several major pharmacy store chains plan to make the opioid overdose reversal drug Narcan available nationwide without a prescription starting in early September.
Narcan, the nasal spray brand of the lifesaving drug naloxone, will sell at Walgreens stores for $44.99, the company announced Wednesday. It will be available at select stores and online as soon as Sept. 5, with nationwide availability across nearly 9,000 stores on Sept. 7, the company said.
CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walmart and Kroger also will begin selling Narcan over-the-counter at the same price in early September, spokespeople for the companies told USA TODAY. The medication will be available online and in stores at both chains.
Narcan qualifies as a medical expense for health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts, CVS noted.
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The announcement comes after the Food and Drug Administration in March approved selling the nasal spray over-the-counter as a way to combat opioid overdoses, including of heroin, prescription opioid medications and fentanyl. Advocates had long pushed to improve access to the drug without a prescription or pharmacist's recommendation amid the opioid epidemic.
“We are committed to educating and making it easier for all Americans to have this life-saving medicine available in their first aid kits in case of an emergency,” Dr. Kevin Ban, executive vice president and chief medical officer for Walgreens, said in a statement. “We all must recognize that overdoses can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background or other factors. As a leading healthcare company, providing access to OTC naloxone creates an opportunity for bystanders, friends and family members to potentially save a life. In the event of an overdose, every second matters.”
Fentanyl accounted for more than 67,000 preventable deaths in 2021, which represents a 21% increase since 2020, according to the National Safety Council.
Walgreens said it would work with End Overdose, a nonprofit that works end drug-related overdose deaths, to educate people about using the nasal spray. It should be administered as soon as someone shows signs of an opioid overdose, and it does not take the place of emergency medical care. It’s crucial to call 911 before using the medication.
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“This community-first effort with Walgreens will hopefully empower everyone to feel comfortable carrying and administering naloxone nasal spray,” Theo Krzywicki, CEO and founder of End Overdose, said in a statement. “Just as you might carry other first aid items, this can and should be something that is accessible to all.”
Community health departments, schools, and police and fire departments already have provided access to Narcan.
CONTRIBUTING: Adrianna Rodriguez and Minnah Arshad
Eduardo Cuevas covers health and breaking news for USA TODAY. He can be reached at EMCuevas1@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Narcan available over-the-counter: Some pharmacy chains opt in
