CVS pharmacies in 12 more states will carry drug to treat heroin overdose

[phr]

CVS pharmacies in 12 more states will carry drug to treat heroin overdose
Loren Grush
9.25.15
The Verge


CVS Pharmacies said more of its stores will carry an over-the-counter drug to treat heroin overdose. The medication, Naloxone, will now be available without a prescription at CVS stores in 12 additional states. Those states include Arkansas, California, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin. Naloxone is already available over the counter at CVS stores in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

"Over 44,000 people die from accidental drug overdoses every year in the United States and most of those deaths are from opioids, including controlled substance pain medication and illegal drugs such as heroin," Tom Davis, vice president of pharmacy professional practices at CVS, said in a statement. "Naloxone is a safe and effective antidote to opioid overdoses and by providing access to this medication in our pharmacies without a prescription in more states, we can help save lives."

Naloxone works as an opioid antagonist against heroin — a powerful opiate. When a person overdoses on heroin, the drug binds to too many opioid receptors in the brain; this causes the brain to stop sending signals that regulate a person's heartbeat and breathing. If Naloxone is injected during an overdose, it knocks the opioids off the brain's receptors, allowing the person to breath normally again. The medication can be administered either by needle or nasal spray.

Despite its proven effectiveness, Naloxone does come with its share of controversy. Critics argue that making the medication easily available at pharmacies will motivate heroin users to do more of the drug. The National Institutes of Health says that isn't the case, and that two areas where Naloxone was made readily available actually saw a reduction in self-reported drug use. Overall, the NIH argues that the benefits of selling Naloxone outweigh the potential downsides. "It is unethical to allow a narrow focus on the harms of drug use to overshadow an opportunity to save human lives," the NIH wrote.

Currently, Naloxone is available at all CVS pharmacies with a prescription. Making it over the counter ensures faster delivery of the medication. Davis hopes to make Naloxone available without a prescription in even more states, though a spokesperson for CVS said states must set up their own programs first to allow it.

Link!

 

[Jabberwocky]

Nice one! Do they mention cost at all?

A big problem is that naloxone is generally way more expensive than it should be due to a de facto monopoly on it.

 

[neversickanymore]

Very good news. If you love an addict this would be an amazing holiday present If you are an addict or party strong on opiates this would be a very nice thing to do for yourself

 

[szuko000]

I can not wait for the day when all pharmacies have narcan that they readily give away but people turn it down saying "no thank you the place i schedule yearly physicals at gives them out to" There is absolutely no reason why people shouldnt be able to get them upon request and there is no reason any type of pharmacy, first responder, even police officers literally anyone who would witness and be in a position where they will be able to treat on overdose victim shouldnt have them.

And by the pharmacy giving them out i mean like on the spot no wait other then an ID so if someone is ODing in your car you can rush to a pharmacy and get one in an instant. I know its not as good as calling for help but I think realistically the dude who is going to take advantage of that isnt the type to call for assistance.

It is a great step as no one should die due to an opiate overdose anymore. So many needless lives lost from all walks and i dont see how anyone could be so heartless as to say a medication that literally reverses death in people loved ones something that perhaps grants a second chance when maybe it could be argued it isnt fully deserved how is that not a gift from God himself (i am not religious)

 

[jammin83]

Nice one! Do they mention cost at all?

A big problem is that naloxone is generally way more expensive than it should be due to a de facto monopoly on it.

Can you elaborate on the monopoly? Is it still under patent?

Great news!

I think in Seattle all the coppers started carrying narcan on them and save hundreds of lives a year. That is actually serving and protecting. Hopefully we see this trend continuing down the line. I don't know why it's not all 50 states...I guess some would rather the damn druggies just died.

 

[neversickanymore]

Can you elaborate on the monopoly? Is it still under patent?

DRUGS
Big Pharma Company Jacks Up Price of Overdose Life Saver by 1100%: Now, More People Will Die

 

[Kittycat5]

I can not wait for the day when all pharmacies have narcan that they readily give away but people turn it down saying "no thank you the place i schedule yearly physicals at gives them out to" There is absolutely no reason why people shouldnt be able to get them upon request and there is no reason any type of pharmacy, first responder, even police officers literally anyone who would witness and be in a position where they will be able to treat on overdose victim shouldnt have them.

And by the pharmacy giving them out i mean like on the spot no wait other then an ID so if someone is ODing in your car you can rush to a pharmacy and get one in an instant. I know its not as good as calling for help but I think realistically the dude who is going to take advantage of that isnt the type to call for assistance.

It is a great step as no one should die due to an opiate overdose anymore. So many needless lives lost from all walks and i dont see how anyone could be so heartless as to say a medication that literally reverses death in people loved ones something that perhaps grants a second chance when maybe it could be argued it isnt fully deserved how is that not a gift from God himself (i am not religious)

I really am hopeful that this becomes more widespread in pharmacies. As it is my chosen profession, we surely are in place to deliver this drug quicker than even perhaps a hospital. Of course there are issues both logistical and for some ethical (not me but some Rphs wont give Plan B, this will be the same). Several times in my career I have had patients come up in the midst of an asthma attack. I grabbed some albuterol and gave it to them, valid prescription or not. This is the same thing and would do the same if we actually had it. Everyone deserves to live. If I could prevent one death, I would do it, and feel great about it.

Im going to find out what my state says about this and maybe try to start something up. I usually badmouth CVS as they are the worst, but good on them for doing this.