California residents can now purchase naloxone, the generic version of Narcan, for just $24. This change was announced by Governor Gavin Newsom’s office on Monday. The medication is crucial for treating opioid overdoses and can be obtained through the state’s prescription website, CalRx.
Governor Newsom emphasized that access to life-saving medications should not be limited by high costs. He stated, “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.”
Naloxone is a simple nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone at risk of overdose, or who knows someone at risk, should carry naloxone for emergencies.
This initiative builds on a program started last year, which provided naloxone in large quantities for free to organizations like nonprofits and universities. The state has been able to reduce costs significantly, paying $24 for a two-dose unit, down from the previous price of $41. This has resulted in savings of $17 million since May 2024.
According to preliminary data, California has seen a decrease in synthetic opioid overdose deaths for the first time since 2018. While it is difficult to attribute this decline to any single factor, officials believe that comprehensive efforts to address the opioid crisis are beginning to show positive results.
Governor Newsom’s plan also includes making naloxone available in middle and high schools across the state and ensuring it is widely accessible at low prices. A new bill may require workplaces to stock naloxone in first aid kits by 2028, further expanding access to this life-saving medication.