MINERAL SPRINGS, N.C. — Over-the-counter Narcan became available last year, but pharmacists say people are not buying the lifesaving drug.
What You Need To Know
- Over-the-counter Narcan, which can stop an opioid overdose, became available last year
- North Carolina was ranked 35 in the country for opioid deaths by the CDC in 2021
- One pharmacist sent the drug back after no customers came to purchase it for seven months
- OTC Narcan averages around $45-$50 a box
For pharmacist Jacob Abraham, his job is all about helping the customer.
“I love that feeling where you're helping somebody and they're happy and you took care of that issue for them,” said Abraham.
The New York native has been in the pharmaceutical business for over 30 years and opened Mineral Springs Pharmacy, in Mineral Springs outside of Charlotte, last year.
As Abraham is focused on providing the best care and experience for his customers, he said he was excited to stock over-the-counter Narcan on his shelves. Narcan can stop an opioid overdose that could be fatal.
“I was glad that it was available that they don't have to go and wait for the emergency team to come,” said Abraham.
The lifesaving drug sat on the shelves — waiting to be purchased. But for seven months, no one came, so Abraham to send the Narcan back. He was losing revenue by keeping it on the shelves.
“Big chains are fine. They can recuperate it up in the front or so. But when you have money and especially prescriptions are too expensive to keep, if it's sitting on the shelf, you have to watch it to the last pill,” said Abraham.
Abraham always keeps one box of OTC Narcan on hand just incase, as well as the perscription version.
The Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) said in 2021 North Carolina was ranked 35 in the country for opioid deaths, with almost 4,000 cases. As of data released in mid-March, North Carolina had almost 9,000 emergency department trips for opioid overdose so far in 2024.
Spectrum News 1 called more than a dozen small and box store pharmacies and asked about Narcan sales. Pharmacists said only a few to no customers have come in looking for the drug.
“I don't think people know that it's available over the counter because I don't think it was advertised or told by the doctors or any of the pain clinics and stuff. I don't think it was told at all. It's a mistake because then you would know a lot people would come,” said Abraham.
The average cost of OTC Narcan is $45 to $50, with some stores averaging close to $80 a unit. The box is normally sold with two doses.
NCDHHS can purchase Narcan at $41 a kit. Since the beginning of 2020, the agency has bought nearly 800,000 units to give to places like emergency rooms and response teams to help the public. That's along with over 109,000 Naxalone kits distributed through the NC Safer Syringe Initiative between 2022 and 2023.
“When you're in that dire strait, you don't want to be, like, stuck saying, Oh, I can't get it, or there is a restriction for me to get it,” said Abraham.
Many retailers have OTC Narcan behind the counter. Although you do not need an ID or prescription, you may have to ask for it.
Abraham said he has also heard of Narcan parties, where people get together to use opioids and then Narcan.
Early data from NCDHHS from last year shows suspected opioid deaths and emergency department visits have been steadily decreasing since June and August 2023.
Craven, Burke, and Rutherford counties had the most opioid related incidences within the last 12 months.
Some pharmacists across the state said some insurances have also stopped covering perscripton Narcan due to its new accessibility, although Abraham said he has not experienced this.
To find a retailer with OTC Narcan, you can visit the Naxalone Saves website.