Hy-Vee brings Rx-free naloxone to Minnesota stores
Hy-Vee is teaming up with the to bring prescription-free naloxone to its stores in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The health department provided the physician-signed protocol that allows a designated pharmacy or pharmacy chain’s pharmacist to dispense the opioid overdose reversal drug to patients without needing a prescription.
“We are very pleased that the Minnesota Department of Health has this opportunity to work with Hy-Vee to expand access in Minnesota to naloxone, a life-saving drug,” the department’s medical director Ruth Lynfield said.
Hy-Vee will offer naloxone in both injectable and nasal spray forms, the West Des Moines, Ia.-based company said. It added that when dispensing the drug, pharmacists will coach patients and family members on how to recognize signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer the medication.
“We know the availability of this medication has the potential to save lives,” Hy-Vee senior vice president and chief health officer Kristin Williams said. “It’s vital to do everything we can to assist a loved one who may encounter an opioid overdose by combining medications or by accidentally taking too much of a medication, being unaware of the life-threatening results.”
“We are very pleased that the Minnesota Department of Health has this opportunity to work with Hy-Vee to expand access in Minnesota to naloxone, a life-saving drug,” the department’s medical director Ruth Lynfield said.
Hy-Vee will offer naloxone in both injectable and nasal spray forms, the West Des Moines, Ia.-based company said. It added that when dispensing the drug, pharmacists will coach patients and family members on how to recognize signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer the medication.
“We know the availability of this medication has the potential to save lives,” Hy-Vee senior vice president and chief health officer Kristin Williams said. “It’s vital to do everything we can to assist a loved one who may encounter an opioid overdose by combining medications or by accidentally taking too much of a medication, being unaware of the life-threatening results.”