CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) announced yesterday that it plans to offer a discount for Narcan, the nasal spray designed to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, to customers who do not have insurance.
The company said it will cut the cost of Narcan from its list price of $125 to $94.99 – the lowest price available for uninsured consumers, according to CVS.
Narcan, which is made and sold by Adapt Pharma, is a nasal spray formulation of naloxone. The drug is also available in an auto-injector designed by Kaleo.
CVS’ attempt to broaden access to Narcan came on the same day that the U.S. surgeon general called on the public to carry naloxone. Although most first responders carry Narcan, friends and family members of a person who has overdosed are more likely to arrive first at the scene.
“Naloxone is a safe antidote to a suspected overdose and, when given in time, can save a life. Research shows that when naloxone and overdose education are available to community members, overdose deaths decrease in those communities,” Jerome Adams wrote in a rare public health advisory.
