Walgreens offering cheaper version of opioid reversal drug

Walgreens will soon offer a cheaper version of an important opioid recovery drug in its stores, according to a press release Wednesday.

“Walgreens today announced it is expanding access to this lifesaving over-the-counter medication with the launch of Walgreens-branded Naloxone HCI Nasal Spray,” the report reads. release It comes from Walgreens’ parent company, Walgreens Boots Alliance.

The Walgreen version of the drug costs $34.99, which the parent company calls “a lower price than comparable national brand products sold in Walgreens stores,” according to the release.

“This product is available online now and will be rolled out chain-wide to all stores by the end of this month, can be found in the pain aisle, and is important to the nearly 10 million customers and patients the company serves every day. “We plan to provide access points in local communities across the United States,” the release states.

“Walgreens Brand Naloxone Hydrochloride Nasal Spray can be used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioids such as heroin, illicit fentanyl, and prescription opioid drugs if administered in a timely manner in the event of an opioid overdose.” The release continues.

A photo of a Walgreens press release that appears to be from the drug’s packaging says, “Compared to the active ingredient in Narcan.” Narcan is the brand name for the original version of the 4-milligram prescription strength naloxone nasal spray.

Back in March, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Narcan for over-the-counter use. Since then, it has also approved a generic version of Narcan and another brand-name naloxone spray.

When approving Narcan, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf called it a positive step in tackling the opioid epidemic.

“FDA remains committed to addressing the evolving complexities of the overdose crisis. As part of this effort, the agency is leveraging its regulatory authority to address urgent public health needs. We are encouraging the development and approval of over-the-counter naloxone products and promoting greater access to naloxone,” Khalif said.