Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a significant development in the battle against opioid overdoses, Narcan, the first opioid overdose reversal medication approved for over-the-counter (OTC) purchase, is set to be readily available at drugstore and grocery chains across the United States this week, as was reported by the New York Times.  Major retailers such as Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Rite Aid have announced that Narcan will soon be accessible online and on store shelves, marking a crucial step in addressing the opioid crisis that has claimed more than 100,000 lives each year in the United States, the report added.

Public health experts have long emphasized the need for greater accessibility to Narcan, considering it a critical tool in combating the rising overdose rates. The NYT report said that the hope is that Narcan will become as ubiquitous as other OTC medications, finding its place not only in medicine cabinets but also in public libraries, subways, dormitories, corner stores, and even vending machines. The increasing prevalence of deadly fentanyl in illicit party drugs like cocaine and counterfeit Xanax pills has further underscored the importance of readily available Narcan, according to the NYT report.

How Narcan Works

Narcan is an intranasal spray version of the drug naloxone, which effectively reverses the effects of opioids on the brain, saving individuals who have overdosed on drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, or oxycodone, according to the NYT report.  Signs of overdose include slowed or stopped breathing and pinpoint pupils. Naloxone is generally considered safe enough that experts advise its use without hesitation when faced with a potential overdose situation. Each Narcan carton contains two palm-size plunger devices, each filled with four milligrams of naloxone. According to the NYT report, the rescuer inserts the spray tip into the patient’s nostril and depresses the plunger. In most cases, one dose is sufficient to reverse an overdose within two to three minutes. However, in areas with potent fentanyl supplies, a second dose may be necessary.

Cost Considerations

The affordability of Narcan is expected to play a pivotal role in its widespread adoption. The manufacturer, Emergent BioSolutions, has recommended a price of $44.99 for a two-dose box. The NYT report indicated that Brendan Saloner, an addiction policy expert at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, acknowledged that people with the means and motivation may readily seek out the product, including concerned family members. However, affordability remains a concern for those who are most at risk of overdose, such as the homeless population or those facing financial insecurity, as was noted in the NYT report.  While Narcan was typically covered by public and private insurance when available only by prescription, over-the-counter drugs often face more stringent coverage restrictions, the report added.  Some state Medicaid programs have already announced plans to cover Narcan when it becomes available OTC, ensuring greater access for vulnerable populations.

Finding Narcan in Stores

Behavioral health experts anticipate that the stigma associated with drug use and addiction may deter some customers from openly inquiring about Narcan at retail stores, according to the NYT report. To address this issue, retailers have devised strategies to make Narcan accessible without heightening concerns. For instance, Rite Aid has indicated that Narcan will be available both at its pharmacy counter and in pain care aisles. CVS, among others, plans to place Narcan by the front register, the NYT report added. Furthermore, these retailers will offer Narcan for purchase on their online platforms, providing a level of privacy that may encourage more individuals to seek it.