Opioid Overdose Reversal Drug Now Available To All Californians

CALIFORNIA — In an attempt to curb the state’s opioid crisis, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday announced that Californians can now purchase CalRx-branded naloxone — a life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug.

CalRx-branded naloxone, which is the generic drug for Narcan, was previously available only to agencies and organizations buying in bulk.

Now, it's available online to residents across the state, making California the first in the nation to offer over-the-counter naloxone at a significantly reduced price.

Californians can buy the medicine for $24 per two-dose pack.

“Life-saving medications shouldn’t come with a life-altering price tag,” Newsom said in a statement. “CalRx is about making essential drugs like naloxone affordable and accessible for all — not the privileged few.”

Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, can quickly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, including those caused by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids that have fueled a public health emergency in recent years.

Popular street drugs, such as cocaine or pressed opioid pills, have also become more dangerous to use in recent years due to the drugs being mixed with fentanyl to increase its potency, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

"Because there is no official oversight or quality control, these counterfeit pills often contain lethal doses of fentanyl, with none of the promised drug," the DEA said.

In 2023 alone, 7,847 Californians died from opioid-related overdoses, according to state data.

By offering Narcan at roughly half the cost of typical market prices, officials hope to pressure pharmaceutical companies to reduce prices.

California residents can order the Naloxone nasal spray by visiting this link.