Walgreens Makes Life Saving Naloxone Available Without Prescription in Michigan Pharmacies

DEERFIELD, Ill., June 27, 2017 - 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 Michigan pharmacies in accordance with state pharmacy regulations.

Naloxone is now more accessible and easier to obtain in more than 225 Walgreens pharmacies throughout Michigan. 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 Michigan families and caregivers to help their loved ones by having it on hand in case it’s needed,” said Chad Downing, Walgreens Regional Healthcare Director in Michigan. “As a pharmacy we are here to help people, and we are committed to making naloxone more accessible in the communities we serve.”

Last year, Walgreens announced a national effort to make naloxone available without a prescription in states and Washington D.C. where regulations allow. Since its announcement, naloxone has been made available without a prescription in 45 states and Washington D.C.

"Efforts to fight the growing opioid addiction epidemic are all about more second chances and less funerals," said Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. "Making naloxone readily available in our pharmacies is an important preventative step and we appreciate Walgreens continued partnership and commitment to this issue."

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.

Walgreens has also installed safe medication disposal kiosks in 600 pharmacies across 45 states including 20 in Michigan. The kiosks allow individuals to safely and conveniently dispose of unwanted prescriptions, including controlled substances and over-the-counter medications year-round at no cost.

States where Walgreens offers naloxone without requiring a prescription:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin.