On April 22, USC Pharmacies will be running the Spring Drug Take Back Day, where students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to drop off unused drugs that they no longer intend to use. Locked drop boxes are available at The USC Pharmacy, (King Hall KOH, UPC); USC Medical Plaza Pharmacy (HCC1 first floor, HSC); and USC Verdugo Hills Professional Pharmacy (first floor of 1808 Verdugo Boulevard, Glendale). Drugs may be dropped off for safe discarding, no questions asked (non-capped syringe medications excluded).
Substance use can have a serious impact on individual and community health. The availability of opioids in recreational drugs poses both mental health and medical risks. If you or someone you care about uses opioids or other drugs, treatment is effective and available. In addition, naloxone (commercially known as the nasal spray Narcan) can reverse the effects of an accidental overdose for opioids including fentanyl, that is increasingly found in counterfeit pills and trafficked substances.
Treatment is available and effective, talk to your medical or mental health provider at USC Student Health to discuss a treatment plan.
Where can I get Narcan® naloxone spray?
Narcan® naloxone spray — along with fentanyl testing strips — are available at the Student Health Centers (Engemann and Eric Cohen front desks) at no cost. Pharmacy vending machines (Royal Parking, USC Village retail plaza, and Seaver Hall, also offer 24-hour access at the standard retail price.
Naloxone is now available over-the-counter
No prescription is necessary
Narcan® is covered as a benefit (with $0 copay) through SHIP/Aetna — the USC Student Health Insurance Plan administered through Aetna.
It is available at the USC Pharmacies.
Carrying Narcan® can save someone’s life.
Messenger bag, purse, backpack — every bag is the right bag for Narcan.
CalRx Naloxone available to California consumers for $24 per two-pack
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is pleased to announce that effective 4/21/2025, individuals in California can purchase CalRx® 4 mg nasal spray naloxone for $24 per two-pack plus taxes and shipping through the CalRx Naloxone Access Initiative direct-to-consumer option.
Californians can purchase CalRx® naloxone directly at https://calrxnaloxone.com/.
Opioids: Education and Harm Reduction with Naloxone SC
In a partnership with the student-led USC School of Pharmacy group AAPP (American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, USC student chapter), we are announcing Naloxone SC — a student-run website and naloxone distribution program. Students can receive a life-saving opioid reversal kit containing a Narcan® twinpack and drug-testing strips. Simply log in and review the educational video and take a brief quiz. CPNP members are also available to provide workshops and Q and A sessions via Zoom and in-person at both HSC and UPC campuses. Contact aapp.usc@gmail.com for additional information.
Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that has been found in substances such as heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy, molly, and other recreational drugs.
- Illegal fentanyl is being mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and MDMA. This is especially dangerous because people are often unaware that fentanyl has been added. Learn more about drug-testing strips for detecting fentanyl.
- Test strips are available at both HSC and UPC bookstores for purchase, and are also available without charge through community-based organizations around Los Angeles, including APLA Health.
- The Los Angeles Dept. of Public Health advises caution and additional safety measures even when using fentanyl testing strips.
- Ensure that someone is with you who can administer Naloxone in the event of an accidental overdose.
As an additional safety measure, USC Department of Public Safety officers are carrying and are trained to administer Narcan®.