Making Narcan OTC Doesn’t Go Far Enough

Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved over-the-counter (OTC) use of Narcan (naloxone), a drug that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. However, making the drug available OTC does not eliminate barriers to access to those who want it. One key barrier is price, as it currently can cost up to $300 per dose.

According to Lauren R. Gilbert and Omolola E. Adepoju, “Although Emergent BioSolutions, Narcan’s manufacturer, has not disclosed price plans for OTC Narcan, health economists have predicted the new price to be somewhere between $35 to $65. Although the predicted OTC cost range is slightly lower than prescription naloxone, cost barriers remain a concern, especially in ensuring widespread access among vulnerable populations. Historically, persons who use drugs (PWUD) have faced barriers to health care use, as they are more likely to be uninsured and report lower socioeconomic status, making it difficult to afford prescriber visits and copayments.”

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(Source: Health Affairs, May 16^th, 2023)