CVS expands access to naloxone

CVS Health announced this week that it will be expanding access to naloxone, a drug used to reverse an opioid overdose, to seven additional states this summer.

The drug will be available on 30 states with this expansion in place. States that will be granted access include: Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Florida, Washington, Louisiana, and New Mexico.

"Expanding access to the overdose-reversal drug naloxone is a critical part of our national strategy to stop the prescription drug and heroin overdose epidemic along with effective prevention, treatment, and enforcement," Director of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli said . "Thanks to efforts on naloxone like those announced today by CVS Health, more Americans will have access to this lifesaving drug."

The naloxone program through CVS consists of a standing order with a licensed physician in each of these states. With this in place a CVS pharmacist may dispense naloxone to patients without a prescription.

This program falls in line with the company’s efforts in prevention of drug abuse through outreach programs and the disposal of unused prescription opioids.

"By establishing a physician-authorized standing order that allows our pharmacies to dispense naloxone to patients without an individual prescription, we strengthen our commitment to helping the communities we serve begin to address the challenges of prescription drug abuse," VP of Pharmacy Professional Practices at CVS Tom Davis said.