What is Narcan?
Narcan is a brand name of naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Further, Narcan is a non-narcotic lifesaving prescription drug that reverses fatal opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptor sites in the brain. Common opioids include fentanyl, heroin, morphine, codeine and oxycodone. Naloxone can be given by intranasal spray, intramuscular injection, or auto-injector. Narcan Nasal Spray is available at the Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) Pharmacy.
Who should consider obtaining Narcan?
If you or a loved one has an opioid prescription, or is struggling with opioid/opiate use, you can consider stopping by the SHCS Pharmacy to speak with someone about Narcan. Narcan can be used by the opioid user, or administered by a friend/family member who is concerned about a loved one. A friend/family member who is close to someone struggling with opioid use may choose to keep Narcan on hand for situations in which they discover their loved one experiencing an overdose.
What is the procedure to obtain Narcan at UC Davis?
Students interested in confidentially obtaining free Narcan from Health Education and Promotion can visit our Safe Party Narcan page.
The California State Board of Pharmacy has approved regulations for pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription (see Resources). You do not need to see a doctor to obtain Narcan; only a 15-minute consultation at the SHCS Pharmacy is required. During the 15-minute consultation, a Pharmacist will help you decide whether you are a candidate for Narcan, help you understand opioid overdose and walk you through how to administer Narcan. You will also be given written Narcan instructions.
The SHCS Pharmacy is located on the first floor of the Student Health and Wellness Center. Operating hours are from 8am – 5:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and from 9am – 5:30pm on Wednesdays.
Walk-ins are welcome.
How much does Narcan cost at the SHCS Pharmacy?
With UC SHIP: $25 for Narcan, $5 for generic naloxone
With private insurance: contact your pharmacy, co-pays will vary
Without UC SHIP or private insurance: $135
(note: prices subject to change based on market price)
Resources
- SHCS Pharmacy – please stop by and talk to our pharmacists as needed, students do not need to go through the consultation process if they only wish to ask questions.
- Health Education and Promotion free Narcan Program
- Nalaxone Factsheet (PDF)
- How to use Narcan Nasal Spray
- Is my friend overdosing?
- California State Board of Pharmacy NaloxoneNews Release (PDF)
- California AB 1535
- Harm Reduction Services, Sacramento