Narcan in Alameda County and California:
How Accessible is the Product and What are the Regulations?
Jackie Phillips
Sociology, Post University
SOC217 Alcohol and Drugs Unit 7 Assignment:
Naloxone (Narcan) In Your Community
AJ Roy
Due Date: 11:59 pm EST on Sunday of Unit 7
Overview:
Naloxone, brand name Narcan, is an opioid overdose medication. It has been around since the 1970’s but has been more frequently used since the outbreak of the opioid epidemic. There have also been a number of policy changes regarding this medication, that have helped save lives.
Instructions:
Please describe how and why Narcan works?
Narcan is the brand name for naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. It works by rapidly and temporarily blocking the effects of opioids on the brain, helping to restore normal breathing in someone experiencing an overdose.
“What Does Narcan Spray Do?
Narcan nasal spray reverses the effects of opioid overdose after one or several doses are given. The medication comes in a canister containing a single dose of naloxone. A healthcare provider or pharmacist should explain to you how to administer Narcan spray. Generally, one dose is given every two to three minutes into alternating nostrils until the person becomes responsive or an EMT arrives. Call 911 as soon as the first dose of Narcan is given, and remain with the person until medical help arrives, even if the individual becomes responsive.” (Scioli, A., 2025)
Discuss the trends and statistics on Narcan use in your state or community.
Statistics:
Overdose Deaths:
Alameda County experienced 355 overdose deaths in 2022, a significant increase from 2020.
Fentanyl contributed significantly to the rise in fatal overdoses in Alameda County, accounting for roughly 63% of deadly overdoses in 2022.
In 2021, there were 358 unintentional and unknown intent drug overdose deaths countywide, with 146 involving people with a known recent history of homelessness.
Naloxone Reversals:
In Alameda County, an estimated 300 lives have been saved through the use of naloxone.
The Overdose Prevention and Education Naloxone Distribution (OPEND) project reported 137 overdose reversals among the 500 individuals they trained.
Emergency Services Data:
The Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Division treated over 4,436 patients with naloxone in the last five years.
“Local coalitions are trying to change this perception by increasing awareness of opioid use, reducing the number of opioid prescriptions given in the county, and increasing access to naloxone. They see their work as “bending the demand curve” by showing the real risk to benefit ratio of taking opioids for any reason.” (No author given, 2025)
Is Narcan easily accessible in your community?
Where to get naloxone. Buy naloxone (brand name NARCAN) nasal spray over-the-counter at CVS Pharmacy® without a prescription in all states and in Washington, D.C. If you would like to buy over-the-counter naloxone at your local CVS Pharmacy location, simply ask a front store associate or pharmacy team member.
“Help save a life with naloxone
CVS Pharmacy is dedicated to offering products and resources to help support building safer communities, and we’ve worked to increase access to naloxone.
Naloxone is an antidote to opioid overdoses. You can now buy over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray. It’s also available nationwide at the pharmacy without an individual prescription.” (No Author Given, 2025)
Is it safe?
Naloxone is a safe and life-saving medication used in emergency situations to reverse opioid overdoses. If you suspect an opioid overdose, do not hesitate to administer naloxone, even if you are uncertain, as it will not cause harm and may save a life.
Reverses Opioid Overdose:
Naloxone rapidly reverses the effects of opioids in the body, restoring normal breathing and consciousness during an opioid overdose.
No Harm If No Opioids:
If someone is experiencing a different type of medical emergency (like a diabetic issue or cardiac arrest) or doesn't have opioids in their system, naloxone will not cause additional harm or have any effect.
Non-Addictive:
Naloxone itself is not a controlled substance and has no potential for abuse or addiction.
Over-the-counter Availability:
The FDA has approved some naloxone products, including Narcan nasal spray, for over-the-counter (OTC) sale, indicating a high level of safety and ease of use.
If someone needed to get Narcan where would they get it and how much would it cost?
“How much does OTC Narcan (naloxone) cost?
OTC Narcan is available for less than $50 for each twin pack.
Brand-name Narcan is just under $50 for two doses, but the cost can vary depending on whether you get it from a pharmacy, a big-box store, or another retailer. You can also purchase Narcan online. At the time of publication, CVS and Walgreens were selling this medication for $44.99 per two-dose box.” (Madison, B., 2024)
What were the policies you found regarding Narcan?
California has several policies and laws in place to increase access to and use of naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) to help prevent opioid overdose deaths. Here's a summary:
1. Access to Naloxone:
Standing Order: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a statewide standing order that allows certain organizations to obtain and distribute naloxone without an individual prescription. This facilitates wider access in community settings.
Pharmacists can furnish naloxone: California pharmacists can dispense naloxone without a prescription, following a statewide protocol.
Over-the-Counter (OTC): Narcan (naloxone nasal spray) is available for purchase over-the-counter at pharmacies and other retailers without a prescription.
2. Good Samaritan Law Protections:
Administering Naloxone: Individuals who, in good faith, administer naloxone to someone experiencing or suspected of experiencing an opioid overdose, and who have completed training, are protected from civil, criminal, and professional liability.
Seeking Medical Assistance: California's 911 Good Samaritan law protects individuals who seek emergency medical assistance for themselves or another person experiencing a drug-related overdose from arrest and prosecution for certain drug-related offenses.
3. Workplace Requirements:
Naloxone in First Aid Kits: California requires employers to stock naloxone in their first aid kits.
Regulations by Cal/OSHA: Cal/OSHA is in the process of enacting regulations requiring employers to include Narcan or other FDA-approved opioid antagonists in workplace first aid supplies.
Insurance Coverage: California law requires health insurance plans to cover naloxone without cost-sharing
References
Madison, B., 2024, GoodRX, How Much Does Narcan Cost, https://www.goodrx.com/narcan/how-much-is-narcan-otc
No Author Given, 2025, CVS Pharmacy, Overdose Awareness, https://www.cvs.com/content/overdose-awareness/naloxone#:~:text=Where%20to%20get%20naloxone,associate%20or%20pharmacy%20team%20member
No author given, 2025, New America, Case Study, Alameda County, California, https://www.newamerica.org/pit/reports/mapping-opioid-epidemic/case-study-alameda-county-california/
Scioli, A., 2025, Caron Transformational Center, Narcan: What it Does and How it Works,
https://www.caron.org/blog/narcan-what-it-does-and-how-it-works