Overdose Reversal Now Available Over the Counter

CVS Health made naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, available without a prescription at all CVS Pharmacy locations in NH. A standing order established with NH physicians allows CVS Pharmacies to expand access to the medication in the Granite State.  

"Naloxone is a safe and effective antidote to opioid overdoses,” says Tom Davis, VP of pharmacy professional practices at CVS Pharmacy. "We support expanding naloxone availability to give more people a chance to get the help they need for recovery."

CVS Health also launched digital resources for patients and families to learn more about drug abuse prevention. Additionally, the company is taking part with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids to create the Medication Disposal for Safer Communities Program, which donates disposal units to local police departments. The program has already donated twelve units to police departments in NH and collected more than 1,665 pounds of unwanted medications in the state.   

"The opioid epidemic has touched so many families in New Hampshire and across the U.S., and expanding access to naloxone is one important step in our efforts to address it," says Marcia Lee Taylor, president and CEO of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.

In addition to NH, CVS Pharmacy locations in 22 other states can now dispense naloxone to patients without an individual prescription.