(KRON) — The Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) permitted Narcan for over-the-counter again in March. Shipments are at the moment on their solution to pharmacies and shops.
There appears to be some confusion in California the place many thought that over-the-counter Narcan was already accessible with no prescription. KRON4 labored to get some solutions, and that is what we discovered.
Hurt discount specialists on the Overdose Consciousness Occasion on Thursday have been underneath the impression that Narcan was in a position to be bought at any pharmacy in California with no prescription. When you to a pharmacy, you’ll discover out that’s not the case.
KRON4 first went to a Walgreens in San Francisco to attempt to get Narcan. “So that you want a prescription to get it over-the-counter right here?” The pharmacy replied, “Sure.”
The case was the identical at a Safeway Pharmacy.
Director of Overdose Prevention Coverage and Technique for the Nationwide Hurt Discount Coalition Mary Silla defined how states like California began making Narcan accessible at pharmacies via what’s referred to as standing orders.
“It mainly stated we all know it’s a prescription, however we’re going to have any individual on the state degree it’s broadscale subscribed for anybody who needs to go to a pharmacist and purchase it,” Silla stated.
And it’s not low cost relying in your insurance coverage. One Walgreens pharmacist says Narcan prices round $100.
Based on Silla, that price ought to come right down to round $40 with insurance coverage. Over-the-counter Narcan permitted by the FDA arrives at pharmacies and shops as early as subsequent week.
“I’ve heard throughout the previous couple of days that the primary Narcan product was being shipped to shops to be bought over-the-counter,” Silla stated.
That was confirmed at a CVS pharmacy in San Francisco however with a better value level.
“Speculated to be over-the-counter subsequent week. Speculated to be 70-something {dollars},” stated on CVS pharmacist.
Silla says which will work for somebody who can afford it however worries {that a} provide that prices cash will take away from those that are extra susceptible to drug overdoses.
“Actually we need to make sure that we aren’t limiting the availability of Naloxone to individuals who use medication people who find themselves unhoused, individuals who lack entry to psychological well being companies,” Silla stated.
A invoice that may require insurance coverage firms to cowl the total price of Narcan is one step nearer to turning into regulation. The invoice authored by Assemblymember Liz Ortega handed in senate appropriations immediately, it now must move a vote on the California Senate and Meeting flooring.
