At the end of March, the Federal Trade Commission announced Naloxone nasal spray, better known by the brand name Narcan, commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses, will soon become available over the counter. The projected availability is late summer of 2023. Cost estimates range from $30 to $90.
For residents of Montgomery County, Narcan will remain free of cost, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Public Information Officer Mary Anderson. Concerns that “the cost could be prohibitive” prompted the policy by DHHS.
Currently, the State of Maryland provides the opioid recovery drug to the county. Here in the county, it can be obtained at local fire stations and is regularly distributed at community events or following Narcan training sessions.
According to Anderson, demand for Narcan has risen sharply over the past six months. Due to several overdose incidents Narcan is made available at schools. School associations can also request to receive the drug.
