Walgreens Makes Life Saving Naloxone Available Without Prescription in Louisiana Pharmacies

PRESS RELEASE

DEERFIELD, Ill., November 22, 2016 - As part of its comprehensive national plan to combat drug abuse, Walgreens today announced it has made naloxone, a lifesaving opioid antidote, available without a prescription in all of its Louisiana pharmacies in accordance with state pharmacy regulations.

Naloxone is now more accessible and easier to obtain in more than 150 Walgreens pharmacies throughout Louisiana. 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 Louisiana families and caregivers to help their loved ones by having it on hand in case it’s needed,” said Rob Braley, Walgreens regional healthcare director in Louisiana. “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 4,300 Walgreens pharmacies in 24 states.

When implementation of the program is complete, naloxone will be available without a prescription in more than 7,000 of Walgreens nearly 8,200 stores.

Drug abuse continues to be a public health and safety risk. More Americans die every day from drug overdoses than from motor vehicle crashes, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 19 million Americans misused a prescription drug in 2015¹.

When naloxone is dispensed instructions are provided on how to administer the medication, which includes calling 911 as naloxone is not a substitute for medical care, and anyone who is administered the medication should seek immediate medical attention.