Walgreens will soon offer a cheaper version of a key opioid drug in its stores, according to Wednesday's press release.
“Walgreens today announced it is expanding access to over-the-counter, life-saving medications with the launch of Walgreens Brand Naloxone HCI Nasal Spray,” the release reads. Edition from Walgreens' parent company Walgreens Boots Alliance.
Walgreens' version of the drug costs $34.99, according to the release, which the parent company said is “a lower price than the comparable national brand product in Walgreens stores.”
“The product is currently available online and will be available in stores across the chain by the end of the month, where it can be found in the pain department and provides a crucial access point for the nearly 10 million customers and patients who use the company every day serves. in local communities across the US,” the release said.
“Walgreens Brand Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray can be used in the event of an opioid overdose to temporarily reverse the effects of opioids – including heroin, illicit fentanyl and prescription opioid medications – when administered in a timely manner,” the release continues.
A photo in the press release of what appears to be Walgreens packaging for their version of the drug states that it is “similar to the active ingredient in Narcan.” Narcan is the brand name of the original version of the 4-milligram prescription naloxone nasal spray.
In March, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Narcan for use without a prescription. It has since also approved a generic version of Narcan and another brand-name naloxone spray.
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said at the time of Narcan's approval that it was a positive step forward when it comes to tackling the opioid epidemic.
“The FDA remains committed to addressing the evolving complexities of the overdose crisis. As part of this work, the agency has used its regulatory authority to facilitate greater access to naloxone by encouraging and approving the development of an over-the-counter naloxone product to address the serious public health need,” said Califf.
