Naloxone
General Information
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone is available in different formulations, the most common being naloxone nasal spray.
Yes. There are two medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reverse an opioid overdose. These medications, sometimes called opioid reversal agents, are available in various formulations, including nasal spray and injectable products. The opioid reversal agents below are available either over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription:
Naloxone Nasal Spray:
-
- NARCAN® naloxone 4mg Nasal Spray and a generic formulation are available as both prescription and OTC products.
- Kloxxado® naloxone nasal spray 8 mg is available as a prescription product only.
- RiVive™ naloxone nasal spray 3 mg is available as an OTC product.
Injectable Naloxone:
-
- 0.4 - 2mg injectable naloxone formulation is available as a prescription product only.
Nalmefene Nasal Spray:
Nalmefene is another opioid reversal agent similar to naloxone but stays in the body longer compared to naloxone.
-
- OPVEE® (nalmefene) Nasal Spray 2.7mg is available as a prescription product only.
Naloxone nasal spray, injectable naloxone, and nalmefene nasal spray products are accessible by the general public through the Statewide Standing Order for Naloxone and Other Opioid Reversal Agents. Speak with your local pharmacist to learn how to receive either of these medications.
Where can I get naloxone?
Naloxone is accessible in a variety of ways. Below are several ways to access naloxone, either over-the-counter, at no-cost or at an out-of-pocket cost:
-
- Local Retailers: OTC naloxone nasal spray is available for purchase at local retailers, in stores and online. OTC naloxone nasal spray naloxone can be purchased in a 2-pack at local retailers or online for about $45.
- Local Health Department: You may check with your local health department to see if you are eligible for no-cost naloxone.
- Healthcare Provider: If you have a healthcare provider, you may discuss naloxone with them, and they may issue a prescription for you take to a local pharmacy. There may be a cost to visit your healthcare provider and at the pharmacy for naloxone.
- Local Pharmacy: You may inquire with your local pharmacy to see if they will dispense naloxone to you pursuant to the State Health Commissioners Standing Order. There may be a cost at the pharmacy for naloxone.
- Community Service Boards: You may inquire with your local community service board to see if you are eligible for no-cost naloxone.
How much does naloxone cost?
Check with your local health district or community services board to determine if you can get naloxone at no cost. Availability may vary.
Additionally:
OTC naloxone nasal spray naloxone can be purchased in a 2-pack at local retailers or online for about $45.
Prescription naloxone may be available at your local pharmacy pursuant to the Statewide Standing Order for Naloxone and Other Opioid Reversal Agents. Some insurance plans may pay some portion of the cost, but coverage varies widely.
For more information, please see our frequently asked questions:
Contact Us: OpioidReversal@vdh.virginia.gov