OTC Naloxone

As of July 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two OTC naloxone nasal sprays for use without a prescription. Narcan® and RiVive™ will be available for consumers to purchase, making overdose reversal medications more widely available.​

​What is Narcan®​?

Narcan® is the approved branded 4 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride (HCl) nasal spray from Emergent BioSolutions. It is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. 

Narcan® nasal spray is now available to purchase OTC in places like drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores and gas stations, as well as online.

Read the FAQs​​​ to learn more about OTC Narcan® 

What is RiVive™?

RiVive™ is the approved branded 3 mg naloxone HCl nasal spray from Harm Reduction Therapeutics (HRT). RiVive™ is delivered as an atomized spray for the emergency treatment of an opioid overdose.

HRT anticipates RiVive™ will be available by early 2024 primarily to U.S. harm reduction organizations and state governments. ​

W​​hat does​ this mean for California?

Individuals who purchase Narcan® or RiVive™  OTC can access training and information on how to administer it on the CDPH Naloxone webpage​. It is also important for individuals who purchase Narcan®  or RiVive™ to familiarize themselves with the signs of an overdose.​

How to recognize an opioid overdose:

Recognizing the signs of an overdose can save a life. Signs of an overdose may include:

• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
  
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness
• Slow, weak, or no breathing
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Limp body
• Cold and/or clammy skin
• Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)

Other information and Resources

• Use this substance use disorder treatment locator to find a treatment facility near you.
• Learn more about fentanyl and overdose prevention including signs of an overdose.
• Learn more on the facts about fentanyl​.​