NARCAN Nasal Spray Emergency Opioid Overdose Treatment, 2 CT

What is Naloxone HCI (Over the Counter Narcan) and how does it work?

Naloxone (brand name NARCAN) is an antidote for opioid overdose. In an overdose, opioids can cause difficulty breathing, sedation, and even death. Naloxone is a medication that reverses these effects and can allow normal breathing to be restored.

Naloxone only works if opioids are present in the body and has no effect if they are not. Naloxone usually takes effect in 3 to 5 minutes and lasts 60 to 90 minutes.

NARCAN Nasal Spray can be safely administered for known or suspected opioid overdose to people of all ages, from infants to elderly adults

What is the difference between Over the Counter Narcan and prescription?

There is no difference between over the counter and prescription NARCAN Nasal Spray. The FDA approved the existing formulation for over the counter use.

Where to get OTC Narcan

NARCAN (naloxone HCl) will be available for purchase in early September in more than 7,500 CVS Pharmacy locations.

NARCAN can also be purchased on CVS.com, via Buy Online, Pick up in Store services (BOPIS) as well as through marketplace delivery services

When should OTC Narcan be used?

NARCAN Nasal Spray should be given to someone experiencing an opioid overdose. Overdose death can occur over 1 to 3 hours, allowing time to take life-saving actions. Overdose most often occurs when people take a large or increased number of opioids, mix opioids with alcohol or other drugs, or have had recent changes in tolerance levels.

If someone isn't responding, not breathing or is struggling to breathe, he or she may be experiencing an overdose and it's time to begin the steps of naloxone administration.

How fast does OTC Narcan work?

Naloxone usually takes effect in 3 to 5 minutes and lasts 60 to 90 minutes.