Walgreens makes naloxone available without a prescription across Indiana and Ohio

DEERFIELD, Ill. - Walgreens on Monday announced it has made naloxone available without a prescription in all of its Indiana and Ohio pharmacies in accordance with state pharmacy regulations.

 

“By making naloxone available without a prescription, we are making it easier for Indiana [and Ohio] families and caregivers to help their loved ones in need,” stated Chris Creamer, Walgreens regional healthcare director. “We are committed to making naloxone more accessible in the communities we serve.”

 

Earlier this month, 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. 

 

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.

 

Walgreens also will be installing safe medication disposal kiosks in more than 500 pharmacies in 39 states, including Indiana and Ohio. The medication disposal kiosks allow individuals to safely and conveniently dispose of their unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications, at no cost. The kiosks at Walgreens pharmacies will be available during regular pharmacy hours. 

 

The initial installation of the safe medication disposal kiosks has begun in California and is expected to be completed at more than 500 Walgreens locations this year.

 

“We need all hands on deck to stop the unrelenting wave of opioid drug and heroin overdose deaths,” said Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller, creator and co-chair of the Indiana Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force. “Walgreens rollout of safe medication disposal kiosks is also key to encouraging people to clear out medicine cabinets and changing the perception that these powerful painkillers and other opioids are safe.”