The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week voted to allow the sale of Narcan over the counter. It raises some questions. Among them: How will it be implemented? How much could it cost?

There were more than 100,000 fatal overdoses in 2021, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Now, the lifesaving treatment will become more easily accessible for those touched by the opioid crisis.

“Very good news to have Narcan readily available,” remarked Sam Awad of Caring Wellness Pharmacy.

Narcan is the most well-known brand of naloxone, an opioid antagonist capable of reversing an overdose.

“It comes in a nasal spray. Once there is someone who overdosed, unconscious, it can be administered in one nostril,” Awad explained.

Within a couple minutes, the individual experiencing an overdose should regain consciousness.

“Overdose is very common, so this could save a life,” Awad said.

Right now, naloxone is available in most pharmacies, but it’s a behind-the-counter purchase, may require a standing order and can be costly.

“It’s around $200 for the name brand," Awad said. "It’s a little bit cheaper for the generic.”

Most insurance carriers cover that cost with little-to-no out-of-pocket costs. If there is a co-pay, New York state rolled out a program awhile back that helps cover up to $40 of any out-of-pocket costs.

“Once it’s over-the-counter, I hope the coupons can still be used, so they can get it for free,” Awad said.

Pharmacists say it could take up to a year before most pharmacies have the new over-the-counter product on their shelves.

“The drug is already available, so it’s going to be a labeling issue,” Awad said.

There are other forms of naloxone, including an injectable form, that has not received FDA approval for over-the-counter access, but this latest move could set the stage for that later down the line.