Getting Naloxone from a Pharmacy or Store

Information for community members about how to get naloxone to help prevent overdose deaths.

How?

Naloxone rescue kits (for example, Narcan^®) are available at pharmacies and many stores across the state, with or without a prescription.  

There are three ways to get a naloxone rescue kit from a pharmacy or store: 

1. Go directly to a pharmacy counter to request a naloxone rescue kit. A prescription from your doctor is NOT needed. Pharmacies can dispense it to you using the  statewide standing order and can bill the cost to your insurance (including MassHealth) like they would for any other prescription. However, you may encounter an out-of-pocket cost such as a co-pay.  
   • View the Board of Registration in Pharmacy policy regarding the dispensing of naloxone under this standing order
2. You can get a prescription for a naloxone rescue kit from your healthcare provider and have it filled at the pharmacy. The pharmacy can dispense it and bill the cost to your insurance (including MassHealth) like they would for any other prescription. Insurance is not required, but you will need to pay full cost if you do not provide insurance information.  
3. Some stores and pharmacies may have naloxone on general shelves or at the front counter. If you buy it this way, it will not be covered by insurance, and you will have to pay the full cost. Not all stores will have naloxone on their shelves, but online retailers should have it available. 

Call or visit your local pharmacy or store that carries naloxone to find out more.