Kroger makes naloxone available without a prescription in Texas

DALLAS  — Kroger's Dallas division now offers the opioid overdose reversal medication Narcan (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray 4mg at its 101 pharmacies in the region, the company announced Monday afternoon.



"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 2,600 Texans died of a drug overdose in 2015," stated Dana Zurcher, president of the Kroger Dallas division. "Kroger wants to be a part of the solution to decrease these staggering statistics. By adding naloxone to our daily portfolio of healthcare products and services, our pharmacists have the opportunity to help save lives."



Kroger partnered with the Texas Pharmacy Association, as a part of the Saving Lives Initiative, which created a physician-signed standing order that allows pharmacists to provide naloxone to patients or third-parties with connections to patients who may have a medical need. In 2016, Texas SB 1462 took effect, which allows authorized medical professionals to prescribe naloxone through a standing order.



Kroger pharmacists received specialized training and education as part of the program.    



"Our pharmacists have the knowledge to teach a patient or third party to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and properly handle and administer naloxone in the event of an overdose," said Jeff Loesch, director of pharmacy for the Kroger Dallas division. "As the most accessible healthcare provider to the public, pharmacists are in a key position to expand access to naloxone."