In an effort to increase access to naloxone, Walgreens has said that over-the-counter (OTC) NARCAN nasal spray will be available at its stores and online this month, with nationwide availability beginning today.
This follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval earlier this year.
The medication can be used in the event of an opioid overdose to temporarily reverse the effects of opioids. Naloxone counteracts life-threatening depression of the central nervous and respiratory systems, allowing overdose victims to breathe normally again.
"We all must recognize that overdoses can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background or other factors," said Dr. Kevin Ban, executive vice president and Walgreens chief medical officer. "As a leading healthcare company, providing access to OTC naloxone creates an opportunity for bystanders, friends and family members to potentially save a life."
WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
Naloxone should be administered as soon as someone shows signs of an opioid overdose and does not take the place of emergency medical care, with Walgreens stressing that it's important to call 911 as soon as possible.
OTC Narcan nasal spray will retail at Walgreens stores for $44.99.
To educate the public on how to use this lifesaving nasal spray, Walgreens is working with End Overdose, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending drug-related overdose deaths through education, medical intervention and public awareness.
Together the two companies have created an educational preparedness video that explains how an overdose can happen anywhere and affect anyone, how to recognize an overdose and how to respond with naloxone nasal spray.
In addition to the awareness video, Walgreens is making a $100,000 donation to End Overdose to support its continuing efforts in educating the public on how to use the spray, and on destigmatizing the conversation around overdose and substance use disorder.
As part of the company's other ongoing efforts to address unsafe drug use, Walgreens offers a National Prescription Drug Take Back program. The program encourages the public to collect unwanted, unused or expired medications for safe disposal at no cost, year-round by visiting a Walgreens safe medication disposal kiosk during regular pharmacy hours. Kiosk locations can be found on walgreens.com via the store locator.
THE LARGER TREND
The FDA approved Narcan as the first nonprescription over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray in March.
Subsequently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it would launch a department-wide approach to work with stakeholders to implement the Narcan switch from prescription to nonprescription status, facilitate the continued availability of naloxone nasal spray products during the time needed to implement the transition, and help ensure appropriate coverage and continued access to all forms of the medication.
HHS's Overdose Prevention Strategy expands the scope of the crisis response and helps advance the administration's National Drug Control Strategy.
Over the past year, the Biden Administration has taken steps to expand access to naloxone and other harm reduction interventions, such as:
- permitting the use of federal funding for state and local public health departments to purchase naloxone.
- focusing on state development of naloxone saturation plans.
- issuing guidance aimed at making it easier for harm reduction programs to obtain and distribute naloxone to at-risk populations.
- prioritizing the review of nonprescription naloxone applications as appropriate.
In addition to being used by healthcare professionals, naloxone is increasingly being distributed to first responders and to family members who may witness and respond to an opioid overdose.
Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: Jeff.Lagasse@himssmedia.com