A drug that reverses the effects of heroin and other opioid overdoses is now available without prescription at CVS Pharmacies in Tennessee.
Tennessee Department of Health’s Woody McMillin said CVS approached the state board of pharmacy for a standing order to allow it to provide Naloxone without prescription. CVS is currently the only pharmacy in Tennessee to provide the drug without prescription.
Tennessee pharmacies have been able to dispense Naloxone to friends, family members and others close to opioid users since July of 2014. Last year, 1,263 Tennesseans died of drug overdoses, up 100 from 2013.
Meanwhile, Kentucky’s board of pharmacy filed emergency legislation in May to allow pharmacists with doctor-approved protocols to distribute Naloxone without prescription.
