Where Can You Get Narcan?
The opioid epidemic is booming in the U.S., becoming an emergency medical crisis, but one prescription medication can help save lives against opioid overdose emergency–Naloxone or more commonly known by its brand name, Narcan. Narcan nasal spray is a potentially lifesaving medication designed to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose emergency from opioid drugs or prescription opioids such as oxycodone or hydrocodone. Those vulnerable populations at risk for opioid overdose include:
- Patients receiving prescription pain opioids for medical assistance
- Those who take Benzodiazepines or Benzos
- People abusing heroin or prescription pain opioids
- Individuals who struggle with nonopioid substance use disorder or alcohol abuse
- People with mental health disorders
Seek medical assistance if you experience withdrawal symptoms like:
- Muscle aches
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Runny nose
- Excessive sweating
- Inability to sleep
Signs of an overdose vary depending on the drug, the frequency of use, and the dosage. Signs of an overdose may include:
- Pale skin or clammy skin
- Limp body
- Purple or blue colored lips or fingernails
- Nonreactive or pinpoint pupils
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
- Slowed heartbeat
- Coma
If you or a loved one experience the signs of an overdose, try seeking medical assistance from an emergency medical technician immediately.
Narcan nasal sprays can be found at any major pharmacy chain or local pharmacies and are available for purchase without a prescription from your doctor in most states.
Do You Need a Prescription for Narcan?
The rules and regulations for acquiring Narcan varies by state. In Florida, while Narcan is technically a prescription medication, there is a standing order that allows pharmacists to sell Naloxone to consumers upon request, making Narcan distribution available without a prescription or doctor’s note at local pharamcies. Obtaining Naloxone can be done at CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart pharmacies. Other places to get Narcan in Florida include:
- IDEA Exchange, a Miami harm reduction organization
- I Save Florida, an online Naloxone finder
How to Get Discounted or Free Narcan
If you or a loved one has a risk of drug overdose, then you can consider keeping Narcan on hand in case of an emergency. To get Narcan nasal sprays, check with your insurance provider and insurance plan to see what your insurance coverage is and if your insurance provider covers the cost of Narcan. You can also contact a public health organization like a state or county health department or research nonprofit organizations that increase access to low-cost Narcan nasal sprays. Another way to get low-cost or free Narcan is by asking a pharmacist at any major pharmacy if Narcan is available for free or have information on discounts or coupons. For example, GoodRx has coupons at pharmacies that will bring down the cost of obtaining Naloxone.
Who Should Have Narcan on Hand
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50,000 people died from an opioid-related overdose emergency in 2019. One study revealed that bystanders were there for more than one in three overdoses. If you or someone you know is at risk for an opioid overdose emergency or struggling with opioid addiction, you should keep Narcan on hand and accessible for overdose prevention. For example, people who are taking high-dose opioid prescription medications, people who combine Benzos and opioids, and people who use illicit opioids like heroin should all carry Naloxone. Others who may have Narcan on hand include:
- Loved ones of opioid users
- Those addicted to Rx opioids
- Patients struggling with substance abuse
- Individuals temporarily taking opioids like after surgery or an injury for prescription pain
- Anyone with a desire to help in the case of an opioid overdose emergency and overdose prevention
Obtaining Naloxone allows you to help in a fatal overdose situation and save lives in an emergency medical situation. According to the CDC, Fentanyl is the number one leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, so having Narcan ready and available can save lives and rapidly reverse a drug overdose emergency. For more information about our treatment options, please call (833) 720-0708.
