Naloxone Conversion to Over The Counter Status May Create a Financial Strain for Some Groups Steven H. Linder MD & Members of The Santa Clara County Opioid Overdose Prevention Project (SCCOOPP)
https://www.sccgov.org/sites/bhd/info/opioid/ pages/home.aspx https://w w w.drugabuse.gov/news-events/ news-releases/2019/03/opioid-overdose-reversal-news-fda-approved-naloxone-devices-produce-substantially-higher-blood Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse otherwise lethal opioid induced respiratory depression. It can be rapidly administered through either intramuscular/intravenous injection or nasal spray. Naloxone is currently available as a prescription drug, but it is not a controlled substance. Take-home naloxone (THN) can be provided directly to members of the community who encounter opioid overdoses. As a prescription medication, THN costs are covered by most health insurance plans, Medi-Cal, and Medicare Part D. Prices for out of pocket expenses vary widely by THN formulation. The California Department of Health Care Services has a program to distribute THN to reduce
morbidity and mortality associated with opioid overdose. California pharmacist may dispense naloxone without a prescription from another health care provider. Many recipients use the statewide standing order from the California Department of Public Health. https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/licensees/naloxone_info.shtml https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/ DCDIC/SACB/Pages/Naloxone-Standing-Order. aspx California pharmacists furnished naloxone is covered by most health insurance plans, Medi-Cal, and Medicare Part D. Yearly Medi-Cal THN costs currently approximate six million dollars. One potential way to improve access to naloxone is to make it available for over-the-counter (OTC) sales. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)is helping to encourage development of over the counter OTC naloxone products https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-continued-efforts-inThe Bulletin | 45
