Washington latest state where CVS pharmacists can dispense naloxone without prescription

WOONSOCKET, R.I. - CVS Health announced Wednesday that the opioid overdose-reversal medication naloxone is now available for patients without a prescription at all CVS Pharmacy locations in Washington.  Under a collaborative agreement with a physician in the state, CVS pharmacists can exercise prescriptive authority to dispense the medication.  



In addition to Washington, CVS Pharmacy locations in 30 other states are able to dispense naloxone to patients without an individual prescription.  The company's move to increase access to naloxone builds on its other efforts to reduce drug abuse, including prevention education and safe drug disposal.  



"Naloxone is a safe and effective antidote to opioid overdoses and by expanding access to this medication in our Washington pharmacies 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."



"The impact of drug abuse has been felt by our families and friends across the state of Washington. It is a crisis that impacts people of every age, income level and race and involves prescription medications and illegal drugs," Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said. "I commend CVS for making the lifesaving opioid overdose reversal drug Naloxone available directly from a pharmacist, and for providing safe disposal options for unwanted medications."