How to Get Naloxone in Texas

Naloxone, or Narcan, is an opioid antagonist medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. It attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the effects of opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, Vicodin, and Percocet. This life-saving drug can rapidly restore breathing that has ceased or slowed due to an opioid overdose. If you are wondering how to get naloxone in Texas, it is readily available at most pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens. It is also available through the mail and from local organizations.¹

Buying Naloxone Over the Counter

You cannot directly purchase naloxone over-the-counter in the same manner you would vitamins or cold medicine. However, it is available at most pharmacies in Texas without a prescription. All you have to do is talk to a pharmacist, and they will provide you with naloxone (Narcan) and medication instructions.

Depending on your insurance coverage, there may be a co-pay. This could range from $0 to $100. You can call ahead to get more specific information on the availability of naloxone and how much it will cost you.

Where to Get Naloxone in Texas

You can visit most pharmacies in Texas to get naloxone. All CVS and Walgreens pharmacies carry it. If it is not available that day, the pharmacist can order it for next-day pickup. Here in Texas, CVS also offers a home delivery service of naloxone nasal spray within one to two days.

Naloxone is also available from some community organizations in Texas that are fighting the opioid epidemic. These include More Narcan Please and NEXT Distro.

Expiration and Storage

Naloxone is available in a variety of forms, including a nasal spray and an injection. The nasal spray, which is usually sold under the brand name Narcan, has a manufacturer-listed shelf life of 3 years. However, research indicates that naloxone is stable and effective long past its official expiration date. In fact, most tested naloxone samples contained at least 90% of the naloxone dose, even the samples that had been stored for nearly 30 years.²

If expired naloxone is all you have available, you can use it. Expired naloxone is better than no naloxone, and it will not hurt the person who has overdosed. However, it may not be as effective as naloxone that isn’t expired.

Naloxone is a reasonably stable medication. It should be stored at room temperature in an easily accessible area away from direct sunlight. Be sure anyone who would need to use naloxone knows where it is and how to use it. Make sure to store it out of reach of children. You can also check the storage instructions found inside the naloxone package for more details.

How to Use Naloxone to Treat Opioid Overdose

Naloxone is available as both a nasal spray (Narcan) and as an injectable formulation in Texas. If you suspect someone has overdosed on an opioid, it is important to call 911 immediately. Naloxone is not a replacement for professional medical attention, but it can buy you some time.

Naloxone in both forms is designed to be easy to administer by anyone. By following these simple directions, you can help save a person’s life.

While you wait for emergency help, try to keep the overdosing person awake and breathing. You’ll also want to lay them on their side to prevent choking in case they vomit. Make sure to stay by their side until medical personnel arrive.³

Administering Narcan Nasal Spray

To administer the Narcan nasal spray, follow these steps:⁴

• Open the package: Peel the liner off the back of the package. Put your thumb on the bottom of the red plunger and two fingers on each side of the nozzle.
• Place the device in either nostril: Put the tip of the nozzle into either nostril. Push the nozzle in until your fingers touch their nose.
• Press the red plunger: Press the red plunger firmly to release the full naloxone dose into the person’s nose.
• Repeat, if needed: If the patient does not respond after two minutes, you can give another dose in the other nostril.

Administering Injectable Naloxone

If you have injectable naloxone, follow these steps:⁵

• Remove the cap: Remove the cap from the top of the vial and stick the needle through the stopper.
• Draw fluid into the needle: Hold the vial upside down and pull back on the needle plunger. Be sure the syringe is filling with liquid and not air.
• Place the needle in a muscle: Naloxone must be injected into a muscle. Place the needle into the shoulder muscle or the front of the thigh. It is okay to do this through clothing. Press down on the plunger to empty the syringe.
• Repeat, if needed: If the patient does not respond within 3-5 minutes, give another dose. Do not wait more than 5 minutes for a second dose.

No matter which kind of naloxone you administer, stay with the person until help arrives. You can do rescue breathing between doses if they are still unresponsive. Naloxone is only effective for between 30 and 90 minutes. Once the effects of naloxone wear off, opioid overdose symptoms could return, which is why it’s so important to call 911.¹

Opioid Withdrawal After Naloxone Administration

If you administer naloxone to someone who has overdosed on opioids, they may go into opioid withdrawal within a few minutes after you’ve given them naloxone.¹ This will only happen if they are physiologically dependent on opioids, which means their body needs the presence of heroin or prescription painkillers in order to function optimally.

Opioid withdrawal symptoms may include:¹

• Rapid heart rate
• Profound sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tremors
• Headaches

Opioid withdrawal is another reason the person requires immediate medical attention. If you call 911, then first responders can administer additional naloxone, if necessary, and can also transfer the person to the hospital where they’ll receive opioid withdrawal medications to alleviate the symptoms and receive detox services. The hospital can also refer the person to treatment for opioid addiction after they’ve been stabilized.¹

Signs of an Opioid Overdose

It’s important to know the signs of an opioid overdose so you can administer naloxone, call 911, and help save someone’s life. Common opioid overdose signs include:^1,3

• Slowed or stopped breathing
• Slowed or stopped heartbeat
• The person can’t be awakened and is unresponsive
• Limp body
• Extremely pale and clammy face
• Blueish fingernails or lips
• The person makes gurgling noises or vomits
• Very small pupils
• Inability to speak

Frequently Asked Questions about Naloxone

Do You Need a Prescription to Get Naloxone in Texas?

You do not need a prescription to get Naloxone in Texas. It is readily available at most pharmacies. All you have to do is speak with a pharmacist.

Where Can I Get Naloxone for Free?

Depending on your insurance, you may have a $0 co-pay at pharmacies. If not, other organizations in Texas, such as More Narcan Please and NEXT Distro, offer free naloxone.

How Much Does Naloxone Cost at CVS?

If you do not have insurance, CVS will automatically apply a coupon for Narcan. This results in a price of $94.99. With insurance, you will pay your co-pay.

How Much Does Naloxone Cost at Walgreens?

Without insurance, you will have to pay the retail price at Walgreens. A Narcan kit with two doses typically costs about $135. However, there may be discounts available. You can also use your insurance.

How Does Naloxone Work?

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. This means it reverses the effects of opioids by blocking opioid receptor sites.

What Are the Side Effects of Naloxone?

Naloxone side effects are rare. There is a chance that someone may have an allergic reaction to naloxone, but generally, it is a very safe medication with little to no side effects.¹

Resources:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Naloxone DrugFacts.
2. Pruyn, S., Frey, J., Baker, B., Brodeur, M., Graichen, C., Long, H., Zheng, H., & Dailey, M. W. (2019). Quality Assessment of Expired Naloxone Products from First-Responders’ Supplies. Prehospital emergency care: official journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors, 23(5), 647–653.
3. S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Opioid Overdose.
4. Emergent Devices Inc. (2020). Narcan Nasal Spray.
5. New York State Department of Health. (2015). How to Use Injection Naloxone for Opioid Overdose.