Access to a drug that can reverse the effects of opiate overdose is increasing in Clark County — giving drug users, their friends and family members a means to preventing overdose deaths.
Clark County Public Health has offered the drug, called naloxone, through its Harm Reduction Center for nearly two years. But recently, local Fred Meyer pharmacies began offering the drug and, sometime this year, all of the Clark County Walgreens pharmacies will carry the drug, as well.
And none require a prescription to obtain the potentially lifesaving drug.
In 2014, 47,055 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses — a 6.5 percent increase from 2013. Opioids — primarily prescription pain relievers and heroin — accounted for 28,647 of those deaths in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 2000, opioid deaths have quadrupled, according to the CDC.
In Washington, 979 people died from drug overdoses in 2014, according to the CDC.
Naloxone can stop or reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in an emergency situation and has been used by emergency medical professionals for decades. The drug cannot be used to get high and is not addictive.
State law allows anyone at risk for having or witnessing a drug overdose to obtain naloxone and administer the drug to someone who is overdosing.
Clark County Public Health began offering naloxone kits in April 2014 through its syringe exchange program. Health officials give kits to clients and family members of drug users after they go through a 15-minute training on how to use the overdose antidote.
Each kit contains supplies to administer two doses of the drug: two syringes, two vials of naloxone, two pairs of gloves, alcohol wipes, a rescue breathing mask and instructions. When clients come back for refills, staff gathers information about the situations in which the kits were used.
In less than two years — from April 28, 2014, to Jan. 25, 2016 — the program has distributed 1,036 kits to 433 people. In that time, 195 overdose reversals have been reported by clients.
In addition to the health department’s program, all seven Fred Meyer stores in Clark County stock naloxone kits. The pharmacies dispense the drug under a standing order from their contracted physician, allowing people to purchase the drug without a prescription, said Sandi Kendrick, a public health educator who runs the county’s syringe exchange program.
Fred Meyer offers naloxone in two forms: an auto-injector with two doses and a pre-loaded syringe with a nasal adaptor.
The injectable version costs $450 and is not always covered by insurance. The nasal spray version, which also comes with two doses, is $85 and is most often covered by insurance, Kendrick said.
The pharmacy also charges a $35 visit fee that is not covered by insurance.
Earlier this month, Walgreens announced it will soon offer the drug at more than 5,800 of its pharmacies without a prescription. The drug is currently available at all Walgreens pharmacies with a physician’s prescription, said Emily Hartwig-Mekstan, Walgreens spokeswoman.
Beginning Feb. 1, naloxone became available without prescription at Walgreens pharmacies in New York. Throughout the year, the pharmacy chain will roll out the program at all of its pharmacies in 35 states, including Washington, Hartwig-Mekstan said. A more specific timeline wasn’t available.
Most insurance plans cover the drug, Hartwig-Mekstan said, but those without coverage will be able to purchase the drug for $78 per dose.
“Walgreens pharmacists play an important role in counseling patients on the safe use of their medications, and now we are leading the way in retail pharmacy’s fight against prescription drug abuse,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations, in a news release. “We understand the challenges our communities face, and we stand ready to help our patients and customers lead healthier lives.”
