Walgreens makes naloxone available across 110 Alabama pharmacies

DEERFIELD, Ill. - As part of its comprehensive national plan to combat drug abuse, Walgreens on Monday announced it has made naloxone, a lifesaving opioid antidote, available without a prescription in all of its Alabama pharmacies in accordance with state pharmacy regulations.

 

Naloxone is now more accessible and easier to obtain in more than 110 Walgreens pharmacies throughout Alabama. The medication can be used in the event of an overdose to reverse the effects of heroin or other opioid drugs, and is administered by injection or nasal spray.

 

“By making naloxone available without a prescription, we are making it easier for Alabama families and caregivers to help their loved ones by having it on hand in case it’s needed,” stated Rob Braley, Walgreens regional healthcare director in Alabama. “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 1,300 Walgreens pharmacies throughout the states of Alabama, Indiana, Massachusetts, 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.

 

“Opioid abuse is a serious health threat in Alabama, endangering lives and tearing families apart. Making this life-saving drug available to families means fewer tragic endings and more opportunities for opioid abusers to get help,” said Luther Strange, Alabama attorney general.