Effective October 1, 2016, the Medi-Cal Fee-For-Service program provides unrestricted, $0 copay access to NARCAN® Nasal Spray for its beneficiaries. As a result of this decision, beneficiaries can now obtain NARCAN® Nasal Spray from pharmacists across the state within 24 hours, establishing an unprecedented level of access and coverage.
This announcement builds on California’s steady commitment to improving statewide opioid safety. Most impressively, the state’s co-prescribing recommendations for providers, pharmacists and county mental health plans that encourage the use of naloxone for all patients exposed to opioids.
“California continues to pave the way for educating patients, collaborating with physicians and improving community access to this potentially life-saving medication,” said Seamus Mulligan, Chairman and CEO of Adapt Pharma. “The Medi-Cal Fee-For-Service program’s decision to provide restriction-free, no-cost access of NARCAN® Nasal Spray to its beneficiaries is a tangible and measurable achievement in the state’s broader initiative to combat this epidemic – and ultimately save the lives of Californians vulnerable to opioid-related overdose.”
“Adapt Pharma places affordability and access of NARCAN® Nasal Spray as an important priority,” noted Mulligan. “This announcement, along with our partnerships with all major wholesalers, distributors, and retail pharmacies, will ensure broad access to community-ready naloxone in California and throughout the country.”
NARCAN® Nasal Spray is the first and only FDA-approved naloxone in a nasal spray for the emergency treatment of prescription opioid, fentanyl and heroin-related overdose. It is now available as a ready-to-use, needle-free, 4 mg concentrated dose of naloxone in a single spray. As the first and only FDA-approved naloxone nasal spray, NARCAN® Nasal Spray provides a ready-to-use alternative to currently available opioid overdose emergency treatments. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care, and repeat applications may be necessary. Seek emergency medical assistance immediately after initial use, keeping the patient under continued surveillance.
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