OHIO — There’s concern in the medical community about people’s ability to access Narcan, which is naloxone, without a prescription.

What You Need To Know

• It’s tough for pharmacists to bill insurances like Medicaid when a drug is sold without a prescription


• There are concerns about the cost of Narcan increasing significantly if pricing and accessibility is not addressed


• There is also a concern about those needing the drug not making purchases because they’re embarrassed to do so

A week ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave the go ahead to sell the over-the-counter nasal spray without a prescription.

The drug reverses the effects of opioid overdoses and also serves as a treatment for opioid use. Dr. Justin Colby with Cedarville University's Cedar Care Pharmacy acknowledged that it could become difficult for those on Medicaid or with private insurance. That’s because those with either often get Narcan for free or they get it at a low cost because it's prescribed.

“If it's not prescribed, then we can bill insurances like Medicaid, and particularly these populations are the ones that are going to need access to this medication to this life saving medication. So we are concerned," he said.

He said those in the medical community are also concerned as pricing for the drug could shoot way up, which in his mind then brings up the issue of disparities.

“So you know, now we have a product that the manufacturer says depending on the location will range from $31 to $100 for a one pack, $135 to 145 for the two pack, this is not going to be accessible any longer. What the public might think increases accessibility by making it over-the-counter actually is counterproductive, because those who would need to access it, if it is only an over-the-counter product, will no longer be able to do so.”

Added to the pressures of pricing is a challenge some people may face when attempting to make the purchase.

“Folks might feel shamed by coming in purchasing,” Coby said.

He added that pharmacists get the opportunity to educate patients on a drug when it is behind the counter versus when it is not. When it is not over the counter, he noted that it’s an education opportunity that may be lost.