NASHVILLE, Tenn. – CVS stores in Tennessee have already been selling Naloxone, an opiate overdose antidote, without a prescription. Now, Walgreens will also offer the lifesaving antidote without a prescription as well, according to WKRN News 2.
In July 2014, Tennessee became the 18th state to pass a “Good Samaritan” law centered on the lifesaving medicine naloxone.
Walgreens spokesperson Phil Caruso told News 2 the move is an effort to decrease the number of heroin overdose deaths.
Tennessee Walgreens will offer the medication within the year. Customers will still be required to speak to a pharmacist when purchasing the medication.
Kroger will also make Naloxone available without a prescription in its pharmacies across Ohio and northern Kentucky. More than 200 Kroger grocery stores will offer the anti-overdose medication within days.
Kroger’s media spokesperson told News 2 the Tennessee Pharmacy Association is working with the legislature on a statewide protocol to sell Naloxone without a prescription in Tennessee.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, the number of heroin related overdose deaths rose from 18 in 2009 to 147 in 2014.
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