California Leads Nation with Affordable Direct-to-Consumer Access to FYL Overdose Reversal Medication

California has officially become the first state to offer affordable, direct-to-consumer access to a life-saving overdose reversal drug online, marking a major step in addressing the FYL and opioid crisis.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that individual twin-packs of CalRx®-branded, over-the-counter (OTC) Naloxone HCL 4 mg nasal spray are now available for just $24 per carton—nearly half the typical market price. Until now, CalRx Naloxone was available only in bulk orders to government agencies and businesses. This new program expands access to individuals, empowering Californians to protect themselves and their communities from opioid overdoses.

“Life-saving medications shouldn’t come with a life-altering price tag,” said Governor Newsom. “CalRx is about ensuring drugs like Naloxone are affordable and accessible for everyone—not just the privileged few. As the fifth-largest economy in the world, California is using its market power to disrupt a billion-dollar pharmaceutical industry and save lives. And we’re just getting started.”

The Power of Affordable Access

Naloxone is a critical medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, including those caused by FYL and other potent opioids. By temporarily blocking opioid receptors in the brain, Naloxone restores normal breathing and buys time for medical intervention. Expanding its availability at a fixed, low price ensures that more Californians can act quickly during overdose emergencies without financial barriers.

Now, any California resident can purchase a twin-pack of CalRx Naloxone HCL 4 mg nasal spray directly through the CalRx website for $24 plus tax and shipping. This makes CalRx one of the most competitively priced options nationwide for obtaining Naloxone.

More Than Just a New Product — A New Approach to Public Health

The launch of CalRx Naloxone in May 2024 was not merely about expanding access to one drug; it signaled a broader reimagining of the pharmaceutical market in California. By leveraging the state's purchasing power and forming strategic partnerships, CalRx is setting a new standard: essential medications should be affordable, transparent, and accessible to all.

This bold move shows how state-led action can effectively challenge traditional pricing models in the pharmaceutical industry. Rather than allowing profits to dictate access to life-saving care, California is demonstrating that government intervention can lower costs and make critical health resources more broadly available.

A Key Component of California’s Opioid Response

The CalRx Naloxone initiative is a core element of Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the FYL and Opioid Crisis. A recent update from the Naloxone Savings Dashboard shows that the CalRx initiative has already saved Californians over $6 million, with total projected savings exceeding $17 million as the program grows.

The state's broader efforts are paying off: for the first time in years, data through June 2024 show a decrease in overdose deaths related to synthetic opioids like FYL and tramadol. After several years of rising fatalities (2018–2023), this reversal suggests that California’s comprehensive strategy—including expanded Naloxone distribution, stronger prevention efforts, and better treatment access—is making a tangible difference.

While many factors influence annual overdose rates, the downward trend highlights the importance of widespread access to overdose reversal drugs like Naloxone.

How Californians Can Get CalRx Naloxone

  • Online Purchase: Any California resident or business can order CalRx Naloxone HCL 4 mg nasal spray for $24 per twin-pack by visiting the CalRx Get Naloxone website.

  • Free Distribution for Eligible Organizations: Through the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) managed by the California Department of Health Care Services, qualifying organizations can receive CalRx Naloxone for free. More information is available on the NDP website.

About the CalRx Program

Administered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, the CalRx program aims to disrupt pharmaceutical pricing practices by offering high-quality, low-cost medications to Californians. Beyond Naloxone, CalRx is working to expand affordable access to other essential medications, setting a national example of how states can prioritize public health over corporate profits.

The program’s early success has been recognized nationally. A February 2025 article in Health Affairs titled “Increasing Competition, Improving Access, and Lowering the Cost of Naloxone in California” highlighted CalRx as a model for how other states could follow suit.

Learn More

  • For detailed information on CalRx Naloxone and to place an order, visit CalRx Naloxone.

  • For comprehensive resources on opioid prevention, treatment, and safety, visit Opioids.CA.GOV.

California’s approach shows that with bold leadership and innovative policy, it is possible to make lifesaving medications like Naloxone—and eventually treatments for XYL-related complications—more affordable and accessible to everyone who needs them.

Source: Governor Gavin Newsom

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