Why over-the-counter Narcan may not reach those most in need

Photo illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios. Photos: Scott Olson, Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Without outreach, people in need may not even know Narcan no longer requires a prescription, said Sarah Scarborough, director of Real Life in Richmond, Virginia, which serves individuals with substance use disorders.The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the American Medical Association and some lawmakers are already calling on payers to prioritize making the spray affordable.

But the manufacturer, Emergent BioSolutions, hasn't disclosed a list price for the OTC version, though it's vowed to make Narcan accessible."If the antidote is four times more expensive than a $10 bag of fentanyl, then the ability for people who actually need naloxone to get it is diminished," Dasgupta told Axios.

States could use their opioid response dollars to subsidize the cost, to ensure those at highest risk can get it, said Sarah Wakeman, Mass General's medical director for substance use disorder.

So $40? Jesus stop complaining

Should they give them away for free to junkies trying to kill themselves? Doesn't sound like a sound business plan.

Why is the answer always free stuff. Every single time.

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