Walgreens adds New Jersey to list of states where naloxone is available without Rx

DEERFIELD, Ill. - New Jersey is the latest state where Walgreens is making naloxone, an opioid antidote, available without a prescription in accordance with state pharmacy regulations.

 

Naloxone is now more accessible and easier to obtain in more than 190 Walgreens pharmacies throughout New Jersey.

 

“By making naloxone available without a prescription, we are making it easier for New Jersey families and caregivers to help their loved ones by having it on hand in case it’s needed,” said Domenic DiPrimo, Walgreens regional healthcare director in New Jersey. “As a pharmacy we are here to help people, and we are committed to making naloxone more accessible in the communities we serve.”

 

In February, Walgreens announced plans to make naloxone available without a prescription in 35 states and Washington D.C. in accordance with each state’s pharmacy regulations. Since its announcement, naloxone has been made available without a prescription in more than 1,500 Walgreens pharmacies throughout the states of Alabama, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

 

When implementation of the program is complete, naloxone will be available without a prescription in more than 5,800 of Walgreens nearly 8,200 stores.

 

“We’re encouraged to learn that naloxone will now be more readily available to consumers through this program,” said acting Attorney General Robert Lougy. “In the past two years State Police, local law enforcement and EMS personnel have administered naloxone to more than 11,000 overdose victims, and saved countless lives. However, despite our best efforts, police and EMS personnel cannot be everywhere that narcotics are being procured and abused all the time. This will help save additional lives.”