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 are available at many pharmacies and stores across the state, with or without prescriptions.

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

1. If the store has a pharmacy, get a prescription for naloxone from your healthcare provider and have it filled at the pharmacy. The pharmacy can dispense it and bill the cost to your insurance like they would for any other prescription. MassHealth covers the cost of prescription naloxone for members, as do many other insurers. Insurance is not required to fill a naloxone prescription.
    
2. If the store has a pharmacy but you do not have a prescription, go directly to the pharmacy and request a naloxone kit. A prescription from your doctor is NOT needed. The Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a statewide standing order (PDF) l (DOCX) that allows retail pharmacies to dispense naloxone without a prescription. All Massachusetts retail pharmacies licensed by the Board of Pharmacy must maintain a continuous, sufficient supply of naloxone rescue kits.
   • Policy No.2024-01 (PDF) | (DOCX)
   • The pharmacy can dispense it and bill the cost to your insurance like they would for any other prescription. MassHealth covers the cost of “standing order” naloxone for members, as do many other insurers. You may encounter out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays. Insurance is not required to get naloxone through the standing order.
   • Since there are different types of naloxone, make sure to ask what is available and discuss the differences in products with the pharmacist to make a decision. Keep in mind that generic formulations tend to be less expensive for consumers who are paying out-of-pocket (no insurance).
3. Many pharmacies and stores may have naloxone on shelves or at the front counter. In 2023, Narcan™ brand naloxone became an over the counter (OTC) product. This means that Narcan™ can be sold at a pharmacy on the general shelves (you do not need to speak to a pharmacist to receive it) or at stores that do not have a pharmacy. If you purchase Narcan™ this way, the cost will not be covered by insurance; you will have to pay the cost. Not all stores are guaranteed to carry Narcan™ on their shelves. Narcan™ is also available to purchase through online retailers.

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