CVS Health brings prescription-free naloxone to Kansas locations

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Kansans can now access opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone at CVS Pharmacy locations in the state. CVS Health on Tuesday announced the drug’s availability without the need for a prescription at all of its 53 Kansas locations, including those inside of Target stores, through a statewide regulatory protocol.

“Naloxone is a safe and effective antidote to opioid overdoses and by expanding access to this medication in our pharmacies in Kansas we can help save lives,” CVS Pharmacy VP pharmacy professional services Tom Davis said. “CVS Health is dedicated to helping the communities we serve address and prevent prescription drug abuse and we are expanding access to naloxone to give more people a chance to get the help they need for recovery.”

Kansas is now the 43rd state where CVS Pharmacy patients can access naloxone without a prescription. Naloxone availability is part of the chain’s efforts to combat prescription drug abuse and misuse, with other efforts including its Pharmacists Teach campaign and its collaboration with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, the Medication Disposal for Safer Communities Program, which donates disposal units to local police departments.

“The new Kansas law making opioid antagonist medications, such as naloxone, available without a prescription will save lives only with the support of pharmacies to make the medications available,” Kansas attorney general Derek Schmidt said. “I applaud CVS for its commitment to this effort.”