Narcan, an emergency opioid overdose reversal remedy, will quickly be obtainable at U.S. pharmacies and not using a prescription for about $45. The Meals and Drug Administration accredited Emergent BioSolutions Inc.’s spray for over-the-counter use in March. It’s the primary opioid antidote to be obtainable and not using a prescription, which is able to ease entry for hundreds of sufferers and their households.
Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to find out about it:
Does Narcan work on heroin and fentanyl overdoses?
Narcan nasal spray is a lifesaving remedy for individuals who overdose on opioids, together with fentanyl and heroin.
How does it work?
When an individual is experiencing an opioid overdose, respiration slows and the mind is starved of oxygen. This could result in cardiac arrest, mind injury and dying. Narcan is an opioid antagonist that kickstarts respiratory perform, saving lives.
Utilizing Narcan in a person experiencing an overdose might lead to extreme opioid withdrawal characterised by an elevated coronary heart price, nausea and nervousness, in response to the FDA. Specialists say its vital to name emergency responders when administering Narcan.
Who manufactures it?
Emergent, an organization higher recognized for growing and manufacturing countermeasures for organic threats like anthrax and smallpox.
How a lot will it value?
The over-the-counter spray will value about $45 for 2 doses. Emergent says it’s going to decrease the value to $41 for public curiosity teams, like neighborhood organizations and first responders.
Narcan’s value is vital as a result of most well being insurers don’t cowl it and not using a prescription. Model-name, prescription Narcan can value upwards of $130, however that’s usually coated by insurance coverage.
When and the place will or not it’s obtainable?
Over-the-counter Narcan shall be stocked in shops as quickly as early September, in response to an announcement from the producer. Walgreens, Ceremony Assist and CVS will carry the spray, together with Walmart. It will likely be simple to search out at checkout registers and pharmacy counters, and even obtainable for supply for some clients.
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