SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In a significant effort to tackle the escalating opioid crisis, California has initiated a program that enables residents to purchase opioid reversal drugs directly from the state. This program aims to make lifesaving medications like naloxone more affordable and accessible to the public. Officials announced the details of this initiative on Monday.
The state commenced selling its own generic version of Narcan in the previous year for $24 per twin-pack, primarily to businesses and local governments. Starting now, individual consumers can also buy it online. In comparison, a box containing two doses of naloxone nasal spray typically retails for between $45 and $70 at regular pharmacies and online platforms.
Opioid overdose fatalities, driven by substances such as heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone, have surged alarmingly in California, with the number of deaths reaching 7,847 in 2023. However, California officials have reported a recent decline in the rates of these deaths, which they attribute to various harm reduction strategies, including the enhanced availability of naloxone.
This initiative is part of a larger strategy by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is striving to compel pharmaceutical companies to lower their medication prices. Under the state’s CalRx label, the program aims to offer more affordable and competing versions of essential drugs, thereby enhancing public access.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of affordability in healthcare, stating, "Life-saving medications shouldn’t come with a life-altering price tag. CalRx is about making essential drugs like naloxone affordable and accessible for all — not the privileged few." His administration is looking to ensure that lifesaving medications are within reach for all Californians, irrespective of their financial standing.
Naloxone, the medicine in question, can effectively reverse opioid overdoses. It became available in the United States without a prescription as of March 2023, following the approval of Narcan, a nasal spray formulation manufactured by the Maryland-based company Emergent BioSolutions.
In addition to the naloxone initiative, California is also taking steps to make insulin more affordable for its residents. The state has entered into a partnership with the nonprofit organization Civica to produce CalRx-branded insulin, which is crucial for managing diabetes. This initiative aims to address the rising costs of insulin and ensure that people with diabetes have access to this vital medication without facing financial burdens.
California's efforts in ramping up access to these essential medications underscore the state's commitment to battling the opioid crisis and ensuring public health. By taking proactive measures to lower medication costs and enhance accessibility, California sets a precedent for other states to follow in addressing the national opioid epidemic and healthcare affordability issues.
