ACME Now Selling Narcan Over The Counter In PA

A lifesaving nasal spray that can reverse the effects of a drug overdose is now available over the counter at ACME supermarkets in Pennsylvania, officials announced Tuesday.

Narcan (naloxone) is now available without a prescription at all ACME Pharmacies in Pennsylvania, said Danielle D'Elia, the supermarket's communications and government relations manager.

ACME is the first retail chain to consistently stock a naloxone product in all of their pharmacies, said Thom Duddy, Executive Director, Adapt Pharma, creator of Narcan. Narcan is the only FDA-approved naloxone nasal spray for the emergency treatment of overdoses related to opioids, fentanyl and heroin.

Some insurances will cover the cost of the drug, E'Elia said. The retail cost to purchase the product without insurance at ACME is $155.69, she noted.

That's a small price to pay for a life, supporters of the program say.

"We believe making Narcan Nasal Spray available to first responders and police as well as families will continue to save lives and provide a chance for those suffering from addiction to get help," said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan.

The CDC now estimates that 89 people die every day from an opioid-related overdose in the U.S., and Pennsylvania is among the highest incidence areas for opioid-related abuse and overdose. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, naloxone has saved 26,463 lives nationwide over the past 20 years

"The opioid and heroin epidemic cannot be ignored," D'Elia said. "By stocking NARCAN® Nasal Spray in our pharmacies, we hope to give our communities – the family, friends, loved ones and caregivers of those struggling with addiction – a tool that might help prevent the avoidable loss of a loved one."