The state of California is now selling the opioid reversal drug Narcan to individuals online.
The program, which began in 2024, is meant to make the life-saving overdose medication less expensive and more accessible. Initially the $24 twin-packs of generic Narcan were only sold to individuals and businesses. Naloxone nasal spray typically costs between $45 and $70 at pharmacies and online.
California had 7,847 overdose deaths in 2023 but have started to see a decline.
Overdose deaths are most frequently caused by opioids like heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone. Naloxone, which has been available without a prescription in the U.S. since 2023, can stop and reverse an overdose.
The initiative is part of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s wider project to sell generic drugs through the state’s own CalRx label and ultimately get drug companies to lower their prices. The state next plans to start selling its own insulin.
“Life-saving medications shouldn’t come with a life-altering price tag. CalRx is about making essential drugs like naloxone affordable and accessible for all — not the privileged few,” Newsom said in a statement.
