CVS Health now able to dispense naloxone without prescription in Lone Star State

WOONSOCKET, R.I. - CVS Health announced Monday that the opioid overdose-reversal medication naloxone is now available without a prescription at all CVS Pharmacy locations in Texas.

"Naloxone is a safe and effective antidote to opioid overdoses and by expanding access to this medication in our Texas pharmacies by the use of a physician's standing order for patients without a prescription, we can help save lives," stated Tom Davis, VP pharmacy professional practices at CVS Pharmacy. "We are dedicated to helping the communities we serve address and prevent drug abuse and we are expanding access to naloxone to give more people a chance to get the help they need for recovery."

In addition to Texas, CVS Pharmacy locations in 30 other states will be able to dispense naloxone to patients without an individual prescription by August 2016.

"CVS Health has been a leader in helping communities prevent prescription drug abuse and we applaud their work to increase access to this life-saving drug for patients without a prescription at CVS Pharmacy locations in Texas," said Marcia Lee Taylor, president and CEO, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. "Increasing access to naloxone is a critical public health priority that allows patients and their families to prevent opioid fatalities and recognize when people need help working towards recovery from the disease of addiction."