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Naloxone

Naloxone (Narcan®) is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. It only works on opioids, such as heroin, prescription painkillers and fentanyl, but it is safe to use even if opioids are not present. If you are worried you or someone you know may be at risk of an opioid overdose, naloxone is available to you.

You can find information on how to use naloxone by reading the information included in the naloxone packaging, or visiting any of the following Health Department resources:

Find Naloxone

How to get a free kit:

How to purchase naloxone over the counter (OTC):

  • Naloxone is available over the counter. This means anyone can purchase naloxone without a prescription at any location where other OTC medications are sold.
    • Specific products approved by the FDA for OTC sales include Narcan™ (4mg naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray) and RiVive™ (3mg naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray).
    • The naloxone products available may vary at each store.
  • OTC naloxone includes new packaging with detailed instructions on proper usage.
  • The current retail cost for two doses of 4 milligram (mg) naloxone nasal spray is less than $50 on average, although prices can vary across settings and change over time.

How to purchase naloxone with insurance:

  • Check the list of participating pharmacies (PDF) or use the NYC Health Map to find a pharmacy near you.
  • When contacting a pharmacy, ask the pharmacist about getting naloxone/Narcan®.
    • You do not need a prescription from your doctor.
    • The pharmacy may need to order the medication.
  • If a pharmacy is enrolled in the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP), up to $40 of your insurance copay can be covered. Ask your pharmacist about the program when requesting naloxone.

If you are having a hard time getting naloxone, email naloxone@health.nyc.gov.

Naloxone Access in Communal Spaces

The Health Department recommends that naloxone is made available in communal spaces to increase the likelihood of someone responding to an opioid overdose to prevent overdose death. Anyone can easily give someone naloxone to reverse opioid overdose symptoms long enough for emergency medical services to arrive.

  • If your organization, business or communal setting is interested in having naloxone on-site, visit a local retail store where Over the Counter naloxone is sold.
  • Communal naloxone should be placed in a location that is easily accessible in emergency situations, similar to a first aid kit or AED. Storage of naloxone should be consistent with manufacturer guidelines on packaging.
  • First Aid for Opioid Overdose Poster (PDF): can be placed at any location where naloxone is available for communal use.
    Other Languages: Español
  • Naloxone for Overdose Prevention One-Pager (PDF): can be placed at any location where naloxone is available for communal use.
    Other Languages: Español/English | Русский/English

For more information and guidance on Naloxone Kits in Communal Spaces, see:

For questions about naloxone access, email naloxone@health.nyc.gov.

Upcoming Naloxone Trainings

The Health Department provides virtual overdose prevention and response trainings. These trainings cover steps for responding to an opioid overdose with naloxone and will outline options for accessing an Overdose Response Kit in person or by mail.

For questions about naloxone, email naloxone@health.nyc.gov.

Additional Resources

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