Golden State Today

As part of Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crises, over-the-counter CalRx-branded naloxone is now available either through the state for free to eligible organizations or for sale at $24 per twin-pack through Amneal.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced that CalRx-branded over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone HCL nasal spray, 4 mg, will be available for free to eligible organizations through the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP). This follows the state’s contract with Amneal Pharmaceuticals to purchase an OTC naloxone nasal spray product through CalRx’s Naloxone Access Initiative at a significantly lower price.

“The CalRx brand is more than a logo; it’s a way to show that the state cares. CalRx is proof positive of California’s innovation, business acumen, and most importantly, our heart. California is spending smarter by making life-saving drugs more affordable so that we stretch our dollars further – and make that same low price accessible to more people,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Eligible entities may obtain CalRx OTC naloxone HCL nasal spray, 4 mg, for free through the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP). Additionally, individuals will soon have an option to buy CalRx OTC naloxone nasal spray directly. Details will be shared on the NDP website as they become available.

Qualifying California business entities and organizations seeking to purchase CalRx OTC naloxone HCL nasal spray, 4 mg, for $24 per twin-pack can do so by visiting CalRx’s Get Naloxone website.

In May alone, the state purchased approximately 24,000 units, leading to $415,000 in savings. Since its inception, more than 4.43 million units have been distributed through the NDP, saving over 277,000 lives.

“By making naloxone widely available and affordable, we are empowering communities and saving lives,” said California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “This is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to tackle the opioid crisis head-on.”

The overdose epidemic claims thousands of lives each year throughout the nation – and California is combatting this through an all-hands-on-deck approach. A critical component of this strategy includes harm reduction services like naloxone which can reverse opioid overdoses swiftly and effectively.

By making CalRx-branded OTC naloxone nasal spray readily accessible and maximizing state dollars used to purchase it, California aims to reduce opioid-related deaths significantly and ensure that OTC naloxone is available when needed most.

Governor Newsom released the Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis to support overdose prevention efforts like the CalRx Naloxone Access Initiative. Recently launched resources include Opioids.CA.GOV—a one-stop-shop for Californians seeking information on prevention and treatment.

The CalRx Biosimilar Insulin Initiative also continues its progress toward bringing lifesaving insulin to market as soon as possible. Following recent meetings with the US FDA, CalRx’s partner Civica has outlined a clear path forward. Utilizing its market power as one of the largest economies globally, California strives to save lives while making healthcare and medication more affordable.