This past March, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Narcan® (naloxone) nasal spray
for nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) useᶦ. This FDA decision will make Narcan® the first OTC
naloxone product to treat a known or suspected opioid overdose. However, there are important
implications for accessibility for patients that need this medication, especially as it relates to public
image and cost. The goal of this article is to provide patients with key considerations when seeing
Narcan® on pharmacy shelves.
There are several factors that may affect the uptake of OTC naloxone in the public, however, the two
(2) largest reasons relate to cost and stigma associated with opioid use. Currently, naloxone is only
available with a prescription at a pharmacy, which helps maintain confidentiality and is billed through
insurance. As the product changes from prescription only to OTC, how will cost and stigma affect
access?
Conclusion: More details will become available as OTC naloxone begins to hit shelves. MC-Rx will
continue to support efforts to minimize any access barrier to these important medications.
References
ᶦ FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray. Available at
https://www.fda.gov/news-
events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-over-counter-naloxone-nasal-spray. Accessed June 6th,
2023.
ᶦᶦ Over-the-Counter Narcan Could Save More Lives. But Price and Stigma Are Obstacles. Available at
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/health/narcan-otc-price.html. Accessed June 6th, 2023.
ᶦᶦᶦ Altekruse SF, Cosgrove CM, Altekruse WC, Jenkins RA, Blanco C. Socioeconomic risk factors for fatal
opioid overdoses in the United States: Findings from the Mortality Disparities in American Communities
Study (MDAC). PLoS One. 2020 Jan 17;15(1):e0227966. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227966. PMID:
31951640; PMCID: PMC6968850. Accessed June 6th, 2023.
Harm Reduction Therapeutics' New Drug Application for RiVive™ Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray
ᶦᵛ Accepted and Granted Priority Review by FDA. Available at
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-
releases/harm-reduction-therapeutics-new-drug-application-for-rivive-over-the-counter-naloxone-nasal-
spray-accepted-and-granted-priority-review-by-fda-301710002.html. Accessed June 6th, 2023.