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Naloxone, a drug known for its ability to reverse an opiate overdose almost instantly, is one of the best defenses we have to save lives in the event that someone takes too much heroin or too many prescription painkillers. Unfortunately, for years, it was a drug that was only available to first responders. While it is effective if emergency medical assistance is called soon after overdose and professionals arrive in time to administer the drug, thousands of Americans have died because they did not have access to the drug when they needed it.
In an effort to remedy that problem and put naloxone into the hands of people who may be standing by at the time of overdose – that is, friends and family of people struggling with opiate addiction – Walgreens has announced that it will make naloxone available in all of its pharmacies in the state of Louisiana. In fact, naloxone will be available without a prescription, making it that much easier for concerned loved ones to make sure they have the drug on hand in the event of crisis.
A Brief Intervention
Available in both injection form and in the form of a nasal spray, naloxone is easy for anyone to administer after just a brief introduction to the drug. It is the only medication on the market that can effectively overturn an opiate overdose, but it does have limitations.
- Naloxone does not overturn any drug overdose. It is only effective in the treatment of opiate overdose. If opiates are used in combination with other drugs, depending on the nature of the medical emergency, naloxone may be ineffective.
- A single dose may not be enough to overturn an opiate overdose. In some cases, multiple doses are needed.
- Emergency medical care is still generally needed, even when naloxone is effective in stopping the worst effects of overdose.
- Naloxone stops the effects of the ingested opiates; it does not flush them from the system. Therefore, taking more opiates may immediately trigger another overdose that can be deadly.
- Naloxone is not a guarantee that overdose will not be fatal. Someone must be on hand when the overdose occurs, recognize the signs, and administer the dose of naloxone – or multiple doses – in a timely manner.
Naloxone is not a cure for addiction, and it is not a free pass to continue using heroin and other opiates without repercussions. It is only a brief intervention, providing a window of opportunity to survive and connect with treatment.
How Does the Law in Louisiana Work?
The law in Louisiana allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription. This means that anyone can walk into a pharmacy in Louisiana and purchase naloxone over the counter. The person purchasing naloxone does not need to have a prescription from their doctor. Additionally, the law protects the pharmacist from any legal repercussions that may arise from dispensing naloxone without a prescription.
Similar Laws in Other States
Louisiana is not the only state that has implemented laws to make naloxone more accessible. In fact, many states have taken similar steps to combat the opioid epidemic. For example, in 2015, New York became the first state to allow pharmacies to dispense naloxone without a prescription. Since then, many other states have followed suit.
In 2016, California passed a law that allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense naloxone without a physician's authorization. This law also allows community-based organizations to distribute naloxone without a prescription.
Other states have implemented standing orders or statewide protocols that allow pharmacists to dispense naloxone without an individual prescription. These orders or protocols typically require pharmacists to provide education on how to use naloxone and when to seek emergency medical attention.
Overall, these laws and protocols aim to save lives by making it easier for people who use opioids, their friends, and family members to access naloxone when needed.
Why is Naloxone Important?
Naloxone is a vital tool in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Opioid overdoses can be fatal, and naloxone can save lives. By making naloxone more accessible, Louisiana is taking a significant step towards reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in the state.
Opioid-Related Deaths in Louisiana
Before the law allowing naloxone to be sold without a prescription was passed, Louisiana had been struggling with an opioid epidemic. In 2018, there were 1,140 drug overdose deaths in Louisiana, and opioids were involved in 444 of those deaths. This means that opioids were responsible for almost 40% of all drug overdose deaths in the state.
However, since the law was passed, there has been a significant decrease in opioid-related deaths. According to data from the Louisiana Department of Health, there has been a 53% reduction in opioid-related deaths between 2017 and 2020. This is a significant improvement and shows that making naloxone more accessible can save lives.
It is important to note that naloxone is not a cure for opioid addiction. It is merely a tool to help prevent fatal overdoses. Those struggling with opioid addiction should seek treatment from healthcare professionals who can provide them with comprehensive care and support.
The Cost of Naloxone vs. Treating an Opioid Overdose in a Hospital
One of the most significant benefits of making naloxone more accessible is that it can save money. While naloxone does have a cost, it is significantly less expensive than treating an opioid overdose in a hospital setting. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the average cost of a non-fatal opioid overdose hospitalization is over $20,000. This cost includes emergency department services and inpatient care.
On the other hand, naloxone costs vary depending on the form of administration. The nasal spray version typically costs between $130 and $150 per dose without insurance, while injectable versions range from $20 to $40 per dose.
By making naloxone more readily available, Louisiana is not only saving lives but also potentially saving thousands of dollars in healthcare costs. It's important to note that while naloxone is less expensive than hospitalization for an overdose, it should not be seen as a replacement for comprehensive addiction treatment.
Potential Drawbacks of Making Naloxone Available Without a Prescription
While the decision to allow naloxone to be sold without a prescription in Louisiana is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, some critics argue that it may not be enough. One criticism is that making naloxone more accessible may give people a false sense of security and encourage more drug use. Some people believe that if they have access to naloxone, they are less likely to overdose or die from an opioid-related incident.
Another potential drawback of making naloxone available without a prescription is that it could lead to more accidental overdoses. If someone who is not familiar with opioids administers naloxone incorrectly, it could cause harm rather than help. Additionally, if someone uses too much naloxone or administers it too quickly, it can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Finally, there is concern that making naloxone more accessible does not address the root causes of the opioid epidemic. While naloxone can save lives in the short term, it does not provide long-term solutions for those struggling with addiction. Comprehensive addiction treatment and support are necessary for individuals to recover fully.
Overall, while making naloxone available without a prescription has its benefits, it's important to recognize its limitations and continue working towards comprehensive solutions for the opioid epidemic in Louisiana and beyond.
Seizing the Day
Surviving an opiate overdose is a huge gift. With the right support, people who survive an overdose have the opportunity to turn it into a life-changing moment. There is no other time when it is more clear that continuing to use drugs of any kind will ultimately mean death. If you have survived an overdose, seize the day. This is your chance to turn what could have been devastating into a new life in recovery. Talk to the people who saved your life. Ask for help, find out what resources are available, and take whatever offer for treatment is given.
If your loved one has just survived an overdose, you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to use the adrenaline and momentum to help them launch into treatment. Here’s how:
- If you are the one to administer naloxone, call 911 emergency medical services. Make sure your loved one gets to the hospital.
- Talk to doctors about options for immediate enrollment in a detox program. There may be an option attached to the hospital. Talk to the administrative staff about insurance coverage while your loved one is being checked out by doctors.
- Consider staging an impromptu intervention. Ask the doctors for help in talking to your loved one about the risks associated with avoiding treatment for addiction when there is a clear need.
- Research options in treatment once detox is complete. Do not feel you have to find an inpatient treatment program. Intensive outpatient programs offer intensive therapy and allow your loved one to come home every night.
No Excuses
After the rush of adrenaline has passed, the acceptance of continued addiction as the status quo will quickly return. Do not wait to take action, and do not rationalize anything less than an immediate cessation of use of all substances with professional help. The time is now to make life-changing choices. Next time, there may not be anyone there to help.
Conclusion
The fact that Louisiana has made naloxone available without a prescription is a significant step towards fighting the opioid epidemic. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can help prevent fatal overdoses. By allowing people to purchase naloxone without a prescription, Louisiana is making it more accessible and potentially saving lives.
