LOUISVILLE, Ky. — You can now buy Naloxone over-the-counter, without a prescription. The FDA approved it in April. Naloxone is a drug used to reverse an opioid overdose. Narcan has been shipped to drugstores, pharmacies, grocery stores and online retailers.  

What You Need To Know

  •  Narcan is already available at stores and online merchants across the country

  • The drug is used toreverse opioid overdoses

  •  While the wide availability is good, some believe the drug should be offered free to everyone

Olivia Buffington is a recovering addict who works to help others get clean.

She knows firsthand how to properly and safely administer Narcan.

“I think it’s great that it’s gonna be an over-the-counter product. I think that’s wonderful, because it’s going to give it exposure. The fact that it’s being sold, that obviously creates another barrier for people in the community.” Buffington explained.

The makers of Narcan work with partners to keep the drug accessible and affordable. They say the cost of Narcan is set by individual retailers, but has a suggested price of $44.99.

“I think that is great that Narcan will be over the counter, but I think that it should be free,” said Lindsay West, the Executive Director of Louisville Recovery Community Connection.

When asked why, she said, “Because it needs to be more accessible to our community and if we put a fee on it, it makes it harder for people to be able to afford it.”

Buffington explained, “There are places in your community that are going to give it to you for free. So, don’t be discouraged by the number.”

Buffington is a peer support specialist. She and others go out into the community and distribute Narcan and other needed supplies for free at places like homeless camps and syringe program service sites.

“We will continue to offer it for free to make sure it’s reaching all parts of the community.” Buffington explained. “That there’s no barrier. That no one feels like their life may not be saved because it’s something that’s unaffordable.”

This hits home for Buffington. She’s a mother of 6 children. She moved to Louisville approximately 10 months ago and started her journey to recovery.

She moved to Kentucky from Chicago, specifically seeking recovery. Buffington was a methamphetamine user. She says life’s been good. 

“I’m able to go out into the same community that I was once a part of, and offer them hope.” Buffington explained.

She said she hopes to inspire others by sharing her recovery story.

“I hope someone sees this and says to themselves ‘If she can do it, I can do it’.” She said with a smile.

For help locating free Narcan in Kentucky, one of the following agencies may be able to help.

 

Related Stories