Overview
Naloxone is a medicine that reverses an opioid overdose. An opioid overdose happens when someone takes more opioids than their body can handle. This causes their breathing to slow until it stops. Naloxone helps someone start breathing again by blocking the effects of opioids.
Register for Naloxone training
There are a few different free online options to learn how to use naloxone. Each option offers a brief training video with demonstrations
TRAIN PA – you will need to register for a TRAIN PA account. After watching the video, you will be provided with a certificate of completion.
NextDistro – you will need to view a training video, answer a short quiz, and provide enrollment information. After completing you will get naloxone in the mail for free.
Naloxone Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about how to get and use naloxone in Pennsylvania.
Pharmacies:
Pennsylvanians can now purchase some naloxone products over the counter (OTC). OTC naloxone can be sold anywhere common medications, like ibuprofen, are sold. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations. If you cannot find naloxone on the shelves of your pharmacy, speak with your pharmacist.
Products approved by the FDA for sale OTC include:
- Narcan™ 4mg naloxone nasal spray, manufactured by Emergent BioSolutions
- A generic naloxone 4mg nasal spray, manufactured by Padagis
- RiVive™ 3mg naloxone nasal spray, manufactured by Harm Reduction Therapeutics
You can also buy prescription naloxone at a pharmacy. You can do this by using the standing order.
People at risk of an opioid overdose should buy naloxone. They should carry it. So should their family and friends. It may not be available for immediate pickup but can usually be ordered and ready in a day or two. Check with your insurance for coverage.
Additionally, some pharmacies sell naloxone online. Visit their websites or ask a pharmacist for details.
Commercial Insurance:
Insurance companies vary in their coverage of naloxone. Check with your insurance provider. Find out if naloxone is a covered benefit under your policy. Also, find out what forms of naloxone are covered and any cost-sharing amounts. You can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Savings Account (FSA) to buy naloxone.
Medical Assistance:
The Medical Assistance program and managed care groups cover naloxone for their beneficiaries.
Pharmacists can fill naloxone prescriptions without prior authorization. They just need a verbal order.
This approach meets the Pennsylvania Code's requirements. Also, there is no set limit on how often beneficiaries can get naloxone.
Community-Based Organizations: '
Some community-based organizations (CBO) will provide naloxone to the public free of cost.
Please visit the Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program's Interactive Resource Map to learn
Co-Pay Assistance:
Pennsylvania residents who buy naloxone may get reimbursed for its cost. They can get the money back. They can do this through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's Copay Assistance.
Mail Order:
Pennsylvania residents may get naloxone by mail for free. They can get it regardless of if they have health insurance. This is through our partners at NEXT Distro.
Naloxone is often given in two ways. These are intra-nasal and intra-muscular.
However, not all pharmacies stock both forms. Insurance coverage may vary based on the type of medication and each insurance plan.
Check your insurance prescription formulary. Or, call your benefits manager to see if the medication is covered by your plan. Also, see if buying the medication is an out-of-pocket cost for you.
If you think you may have to give someone Naloxone, take the online training. Training is available at the Department of Health's website TRAIN PA.
You do not need a training certificate to buy naloxone. But, learning these details will help you respond well to an overdose.
If you see someone overdosing, call 911 immediately, and then administer naloxone.
If the person overdosing does not respond within 2 to 3 minutes after a dose of naloxone, give a second dose. Lay the person on their side to stop choking. Stay with them until emergency workers arrive.
Pennsylvania has a naloxone standing order. It's a prescription for the general public. The order was issued by Pennsylvania's Acting Secretary of Health.
It can be used for prescription naloxone products. Or, depending on your insurance policy, it can cover over-the-counter naloxone. It is kept on file at many pharmacies or may be downloaded.
Community groups can use the standing order to buy naloxone. They can provide it to people at risk of overdose, and their family and friends.
First responders can use a standing order specific to them when leaving behind naloxone kits after providing EMS services.
Individuals with commercial insurance or Medical Assistance can use the standing order when purchasing OTC naloxone to assist with reimbursement and cost coverage.
OTC naloxone and nasal sprays are the same as prescription naloxone. Their packaging may look different.
Groups in Pennsylvania can get free naloxone from the Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program (POPP). Also, various naloxone types are available.
The Fee-for-Service Program will post information related to billing for naloxone on the DHS Pharmacy Services website.
Pharmacies will need to contact each managed care organization (MCO) individually to obtain information about their billing procedures.
Drug and alcohol treatment is available. You can find out more by calling the county drug and alcohol office where you live.
For more information, visit the Get Help Now website , or the Treatment Atlas website.