CVS to sell naloxone without prescription

Naloxone, a temporary antidote to opioid overdose, will be available across the state in CVS pharmacy stores for purchase without a prescription.

The effort by the national pharmacy chain joins state and federal initiatives to get naloxone to family and friends of people who are at risk of overdose.

CVS pharmacies will be able to order naloxone for someone, typically by the next day, said Mike DeAngelis, director of public relations for CVS. The naloxone, either an injectable or nasal applicator, will cost $40-$50, DeAngelis said.

A pharmacy must have a prescription or a standing order to legally dispense naloxone, also known as NarcanTM, in the state, and CVS has provided a standing order that state health officials believe to be compliant with state law, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.

The drug overdose deaths is an "extraordinary situation," according to health officials who think "it is appropriate to provide" naloxone whenever possible, said Dr. David Reagan, chief medical officer of the health department.

Legal protections were put in place last year for providers and so-called Good Samaritans who properly administer naloxone to someone who "they reasonably believe is overdosing on an opioid," according to the health department website.

Those who dispense naloxone should also provide instructions about how to administer it as well as answer any questions, according to the Board of Pharmacy at the department of health.

Opioid overdose deaths — from painkillers such as hydrocodone and oxycodone or heroin — are increasing around the country.

The 2014 death rate in Tennessee, confirmed at 1,263, is at epidemic proportions in rural and urban counties and reflects trends in other states. More people died from overdose deaths in Tennessee than car accidents or gunshots.

CVS began selling the drug without a prescription in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It's expanding the availability to 12 states, including Arkansas, Mississippi and South Carolina.

The state health department is urging people to get a prescription from a doctor if they are concerned about someone. The temporary antidote could extend the time a person has to seek emergency medical treatment.

Reagan said the drug is for people who have a specific concern, particularly about an overdose related to a relapse.

Recovery and treatment is a daily struggle, and the drug could be a backstop for family members who think the process is going well but wonder "what happens next month," said Reagan in an interview with The Tennessean earlier this month.

Reach Holly Fletcher at 615-259-8287 or on Twitter @hollyfletcher.

Frequently prescribed controlled substances

Three of the top 5 most prescribed medications from Tennessee’s controlled substance monitoring database are opioids.

Hydrocodone products - opioid Alprazolam – generic name for Xanax; a benzodiazepine. Oxycodone products - opioid Zolpidem – generic name for Ambien Tramadol – opioid; brand names: Ultram, ConZip, Ryzolt

Source: Tennessee Department of Health