Walgreens to Launch Affordable Version of Naloxone

Walgreens to Launch Affordable Version of Naloxone

Introduction

Walgreens announced it will introduce its own affordable version of the over-the-counter opioid overdose reversal spray, naloxone.

Available online now and in all stores by the end of the month, this initiative aims to enhance the accessibility of this lifesaving medication amidst the ongoing opioid crisis in the U.S., which has seen alarmingly high drug fatality rates.

According to the latest CDC data, more than 645,000 people died from opioid overdoses, including both prescription and illicit opioids, from 1999 to 2021. Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, including those from heroin and fentanyl, by blocking opioids' effects on the brain and restoring normal breathing, thus preventing death.

Despite its effectiveness, access to naloxone “remains limited in many communities,” Walgreens noted in a release. To address this, the company will sell a two-dose pack of “Walgreens Brand Naloxone” for $34.99, approximately $10 cheaper than the over-the-counter branded Narcan, which became the first prescription-free naloxone approved by the FDA last year. Previously, naloxone required a prescription.

“This decision was made to increase accessibility not only in terms of availability but also in terms of price,” stated a senior medical director in Walgreens’ Office of Clinical Integrity. Walgreens’ new prescription-free naloxone nasal spray follows the FDA’s recent approval and serves as the generic equivalent of over-the-counter Narcan, which is also available in Walgreens stores.

The director expressed hope that Walgreens can help reduce the stigma associated with drug overdoses and naloxone use. “This medication is not just for certain people; it’s a lifesaving tool that can be used by anyone, at any age, anytime. Families, individuals, and communities can empower themselves by having it available, making it part of the solution,” she said.

Through this initiative, Walgreens aims to bolster the availability of naloxone, providing a critical resource in the fight against the opioid epidemic and potentially saving countless lives.