Availability of Naloxone in Pharmacies

Naloxone, the drug that reverses overdoses from opioids such as heroin and many prescribed pain relief medications, is now available in all pharmacies throughout New York State. Individuals who are themselves at risk for an overdose or their family members or friends may acquire naloxone in these pharmacies without bringing in a prescription.

Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP)

The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute has an important pharmacy benefit for all New Yorkers who have prescription coverage through their health insurance plans: the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP). The key elements of this program are:

  • The Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program covers over the counter naloxone, covers naloxone with any valid prescription or standing order for anyone with prescription coverage.
  • No individual enrollment is necessary.
  • Pharmacies participating in the New York State AIDS Drug Assistance Program are eligible to participate in N-CAP.
  • There are no or lower out-of-pocket expenses when getting naloxone at a participating pharmacy.
  • Your primary health care coverage may limit the monthly amount of naloxone that will be covered.
  • Questions regarding claim submission or dispensing medications to N-CAP participants should be referred to the Programs’ provider line at 1-800-542-2437 or 1-844-682-4058. If you are calling from outside of New York State, please call 1-518-459-1641.

Training For Community Pharmacists

An updated, free online training for community pharmacists on Dispensing Naloxone Via a Non-Patient Specific Prescription is now available. This course, which was developed by the University of Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health, the Erie County Department of Health and the Harm Reduction Coalition, offers Continuing Pharmacy Education credits. This training is intended primarily for pharmacists dispensing naloxone under standing orders issued by the Erie County Department of Health and the Harm Reduction Coalition, however it is also appropriate for all pharmacists dispensing naloxone.

N-CAP Resources

Fact Sheet for the General Public

N-CAP Consumer Fact Sheet Fact Sheet for the General Public (PDF)

Directories

Please Note:

  • Listing of a pharmacy in these directories does not guarantee availability of naloxone.
  • Not all pharmacies stock all formulations.
  • Your health insurance may not cover the cost of naloxone.
  • To find programs that conduct overdose trainings and can provide naloxone at no cost, visit