Narcan, the brand name for the drug naloxone, can be life-saving in the case of opioid overdose. Narcan has the ability to reverse overdose effects.

While historically used by medical personnel and emergency responders, Narcan is now available for use by the public. If you or a loved one lives with an opioid addiction, you may be wondering how you can get Narcan to have in case of an emergency. Learn the facts here.

Who can get Narcan?

Given the increase in opioid overdose rates, lawmakers and addiction experts have been looking for ways to reduce the risks of overdose death. One strategy that has emerged is increasing access to Narcan. Fortunately, the nasal spray version of Narcan is now available to anyone without a prescription. This means that you can walk into a major pharmacy, such as Rite Aid, Walgreens, or CVS and purchase Narcan from the pharmacist, even if your doctor has not written a prescription for the medication.

Pharmacies are able to dispense Narcan without a prescription via statewide standing orders. This means that a doctor who has prescribing authority will write a Narcan prescription for a large group of people, such as the population of an entire state, allowing a pharmacist to dispense the medication. In some states, training may be required before you can purchase Narcan. You can learn about your state laws here.

How much does Narcan cost?

One concern that people may have when wondering how to get Narcan is that it might cost too much for their budgets.

The makers of Narcan want this life-saving drug to be affordable for anyone who needs it, so they have networked with insurance companies to keep costs down. According to data analysis, 97% of people with insurance have coverage for Narcan, and nearly half have a $0 copay for the drug. For the majority of people with insurance, copays for Narcan are $20 or less, and the drug is covered by Medicaid insurance.

Other Ways to Obtain Narcan

Beyond going to a pharmacy and using insurance coverage to access Narcan, you may be able to acquire the drug through community agencies, such as a local health department. For instance, Project DAWN in Ohio partners with community agencies, including health departments, grassroots organizations, and correctional facilities to train the public on Narcan use and distribute the drug to people who may need it. If you’re looking for access to Narcan, contact your local health department or drug and alcohol board to determine what community agencies in your area provide training and distribution of Narcan.

You may also be able to order Narcan online, but the costs may be higher than if you go to a local pharmacy and utilize your insurance.

The Bottom Line

Narcan is a life-saving drug in cases of opioid overdose.

If you or a loved one lives with an opioid addiction, you would be wise to have a supply of Narcan on hand for use in case of an emergency. Perhaps the easiest way to get Narcan is to go to a local pharmacy and ask to purchase it. Other options include contacting local community agencies or ordering it online. Regardless of the method you choose, you should be able to obtain Narcan without a prescription.

While Narcan can reverse an overdose and save lives, it is not enough to treat an opioid addiction. If you or a friend or relative is struggling with opioid abuse, addiction treatment is needed to achieve lasting sobriety and reduce negative consequences like overdose.

For those looking for convenient and affordable treatment, iRecoveryUSA offers comprehensive addiction treatment services, including MAT, in a 100% remote format via our telehealth portal. Visit our website today to learn more.