The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) supported the development and procurement of a lower cost, generic version of a naloxone nasal product. In partnership with Amneal Pharmaceuticals, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) makes naloxone more accessible statewide. Through this investment, announced as part of Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, the DHCS Naloxone Distribution Project, will be able to distribute even more naloxone to communities in need and support California’s fight against the opioid epidemic.
California’s partnership with Amneal providing naloxone nasal spray at a significantly lower price, is already benefiting Californians. In May 2024, the state purchased approximately 24,000 units for the California Department of Health Care Services Naloxone Distribution Project, leading to $415,000 in savings.
The CalRx®-branded over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone nasal spray, 4mg, labeled either as “CalRx” or “Amneal” is now available for free to eligible organizations through the Naloxone Distribution Project. California business entities and organizations seeking to purchase CalRx® OTC naloxone HCL nasal spray, 4 mg, for $24 per box, can do so by visiting CalRx®’s Get Naloxone.
The opioid crisis remains a major public health challenge, with thousands of lives lost each year due to overdoses. Naloxone is a critical tool in combating the opioid crisis, capable of reversing opioid overdoses swiftly and effectively. By making CalRx®-branded naloxone nasal spray readily accessible, California is taking a significant step toward reducing the number of opioid-related deaths and ensuring that OTC naloxone is available when and where it is needed most.
More information about California’s CalRx®-Branded Naloxone can be found on HCAI’s website.
This project receives funding from Opioid Settlement Funds (OSF) through California’s Opioid Settlements.