Naloxone, the life-saving opioid overdose drug, has been a hot topic in recent years amid the opioid epidemic that has taken over the United States. However, the high cost of the drug has been a barrier for many individuals who may be at risk of overdosing or those who encounter someone who has overdosed. Now, the maker of a naloxone nasal spray has set a goal to make the drug available over-the-counter for just $50. But will this move make naloxone more accessible and help combat the overdose crisis? Let’s take a closer look.
Emergent BioSolutions announced that it aims to price its over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medicine, at less than $50 for one carton of two 4-milligram doses. The company hopes that the retail cost of Narcan will be “consistent” with the price the company currently charges public interest groups: less than $50 per package. However, individual retailers will ultimately set the retail price. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved OTC Narcan on 29 March, however, Emergent did not reveal the pricing until 21 April. Emergent anticipates that the drug will be available for purchase in stores and online by late summer.
Emergent’s goal of pricing Narcan at less than $50 still make the drug too expensive for many individuals who would benefit from it. According to health experts that spoke to NBC News, most people are unlikely to spend $40-$50 on Narcan, as they must prioritise rent, food, and paying for opioids. Currently, the wholesale acquisition cost price for Narcan is $125. However, Emergent’s new pricing strategy would be less expensive for users. The drug is currently available through prescription and for free at public health departments and community centres. Some pharmacy chains make the drug available without a prescription, however, consumers must request that a pharmacist dispense it to them. It is not yet known if health insurance will cover the cost of Narcan or other nonprescription drugs.
Larry Levitt, the Executive Vice President for health policy at KFF, noted that there is always tension when drugs like Narcan are approved for over-the-counter sale, saying: “These drugs become more accessible over the counter, but also ironically more expensive for patients in many cases if insurance doesn’t cover them.” Narcan is meant to help reduce the number of fatal opioid overdoses, which are estimated at 100,000 per year in the United States.
In conclusion, the maker of an opioid overdose drug is aiming to make it available over-the-counter (OTC) for just $50. This move could be a game-changer in the fight against opioid overdose deaths, as it makes the life-saving medication more accessible and affordable for everyone. However, there are still concerns about the potential misuse of the drug and the need for more comprehensive solutions to address the opioid epidemic. Nonetheless, the step towards making this medication available without a prescription is a move in the right direction towards saving lives and improving public health. Let us continue to support efforts that prioritize the well-being of our communities and promote responsible use of medications.
