Walgreens expands availability of naloxone without a prescription

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has expanded the availability of prescription-free naloxone to 33 states and the District of Columbia.

The medication can be dispensed in accordance with each state’s pharmacy regulations at nearly 5,800 Walgreens pharmacies. Naloxone 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 families and caregivers to help their loved ones by having it on hand in case it’s needed,” said Rick Gates, Walgreens group vice president of pharmacy. “As a pharmacy we are here to help people, and we are committed to making naloxone more accessible in the communities we serve.”

Walgreens will continue make the medication available in more states without a prescription. By early 2017 the company plans to begin offering naloxone without requiring a prescription in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Nevada and Tennessee.

States where Walgreens offers naloxone without requiring a prescription:

Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York (including Duane Reade pharmacies), North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.