Walgreens is making a major move in the fight against drug abuse, announcing this week that it will now begin stocking the potentially life-saving medication, Narcan, nationally in more than 8,000 pharmacies.
Narcan is an FDA-approved version of the opioid-combative medication, Naloxone, designed to be taken in the form of a nasal spray.
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The spray can be used in cases of an overdoes to reverse the effects of opioid drugs, including heroin and some prescription pain-killers.
Walgreens also says it plans to operate in line with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended plan to educate patients about Narcan when they are dispensed a controlled substance greater than 50 morphine milligram equivalents and may therefore risk accidental overdose.
“By stocking Narcan in all our pharmacies, we are making it easier for families and caregivers to help their loved ones by having it on hand in case it is needed,” said Rick Gates, Walgreens group vice president of pharmacy. “As a pharmacy we are committed to making Narcan more accessible in the communities we serve.”
In addition, pharmaceutical wholesaler AmerisourceBergen will be distributing Narcan demo devices to Walgreens at no cost, in an effort to allow its pharmacists to use them to teach patients how to administer the medication.
“At AmerisourceBergen, we strive to provide our customers the highest quality care and support so they can ultimately enhance the lives of patients in their communities,” said Robert Mauch, Executive Vice President & Group President, Pharmaceutical Distribution & Strategic Global Sourcing for AmerisourceBergen. “We recognize the important role we play in addressing the opioid epidemic, and our collaboration with Walgreens is another key milestone to supply our customers with access to lifesaving initiatives and emergency medications that can help keep individuals safe across the country.”
Following an effort last year to make Naloxone available without requiring a prescription, Walgreens is now able to offer the medication without prescription in 45 states with regulations that allow, and is eager and willing to work with those remaining states to make Naloxone easier to obtain.
Walgreens does warn that Narcan is not a substitute for medical care, and that anyone who administers the medication to another person should additionally seek medical attention.