Starting August 1, qualified pharmacists can dispense Naloxone to patients and caretakers that may have a medical need. This is a part of the statewide response to the growing opioid epidemic.



East Texas experts say since 1999 there have been half a million opioid related deaths.



"[Opioids include] Heroin, codeine and hydrocodone, which could cause a person to stop breathing," said Paul McGaha, D.O., M.P.H.



McGaha, the Deputy Director of the Northeast Texas Center for Rural Community Health, says Naloxone blocks the effects of those opioids.



"The shot or a nasal spray can block that respiratory suppressant effect that causes a person to stop breathing. So it can actually save lives because it can help a person to start breathing again," McGaha said.



As of now, officials say the drug is typically used by first responders and emergency room doctors.



Now the Texas Pharmacy Association has created a statewide prescription so that pharmacists can dispense the drug.



"This puts it in the hands of people in their homes, so they don't have to wait on the paramedic to get there, and seconds can save lives," McGaha said.



At Kinsey's Pharmacy in Tyler, Pharmacist Brad Martin says it's important people know that Naloxone isn't a cure.



"This is not a license to go out and misuse opioids and think that you're safe," Martin said.



Martin says they have not decided if they will carry the drug, and patients and caretakers shouldn't assume all pharmacies will have it.



"There's a lot of questions about regulations and reporting. So there is going to be a time period where everyone is going to figure out if that is right for their business," Martin said.



Martin says the drug is an excellent tool but they need to get to the root of the problem and actually treat opioid addiction.



"The issue is, how did we get to this point to begin with, where patients are overdosing on opioids?There is an addiction level that needs to be treated," Martin said.