Albertsons offers increased access to naloxone
More than 1,600 Albertsons pharmacies across 21 states have pharmacists with the ability to independently provide naloxone, a medication used to reverse the impacts of an opioid overdose, and to educate patients and caregivers about its use, the retailer has announced.
The pharmacies are located under the Acme, Albertsons, Carrs, Jewel-Osco, Safeway, Pavilions, Randalls, Shaw’s, Star Market, Tom Thumb, United and Vons store banners. They are operated in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
“Our pharmacy teams are on the front lines in combatting the opioid epidemic, serving impacted patients and their families every day. Our ability to bring naloxone to those who may be at risk of an overdose, and training patients and their caregivers on how to effectively administer the drug, may save lives. Our pharmacists are standing by as a resource for all patients and caregivers who may have questions about naloxone,” Mark Panzer, senior vice president of Pharmacy Health and Wellness, Albertsons said.
The announcement comes on the heels of a recent recommendation from U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams, that naloxone be more readily available for those at risk or able to help save lives. Narcan, an FDA-approved naloxone nasal spray for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose, is available in all Albertsons Companies pharmacies.
Patients can obtain the drug through a variety of channels, including a prescription from a physician. Specific state legislation, including standing orders and collaborative practice agreements, also allow patients to receive naloxone directly from many of their local Albertsons Companies pharmacies.
As of April 2018, more than 4,000 Albertsons pharmacists were trained to educate and counsel on the use of Narcan. This training includes how to counsel patients on the availability and appropriateness of naloxone therapy, privately consulting with a patient or caregiver to determine eligibility for Narcan, how to use the product and what to watch for after use. Narcan is covered by most insurance plans, and resources are available to assist those without insurance coverage through public aid.
The pharmacies are located under the Acme, Albertsons, Carrs, Jewel-Osco, Safeway, Pavilions, Randalls, Shaw’s, Star Market, Tom Thumb, United and Vons store banners. They are operated in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
“Our pharmacy teams are on the front lines in combatting the opioid epidemic, serving impacted patients and their families every day. Our ability to bring naloxone to those who may be at risk of an overdose, and training patients and their caregivers on how to effectively administer the drug, may save lives. Our pharmacists are standing by as a resource for all patients and caregivers who may have questions about naloxone,” Mark Panzer, senior vice president of Pharmacy Health and Wellness, Albertsons said.
The announcement comes on the heels of a recent recommendation from U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams, that naloxone be more readily available for those at risk or able to help save lives. Narcan, an FDA-approved naloxone nasal spray for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose, is available in all Albertsons Companies pharmacies.
Patients can obtain the drug through a variety of channels, including a prescription from a physician. Specific state legislation, including standing orders and collaborative practice agreements, also allow patients to receive naloxone directly from many of their local Albertsons Companies pharmacies.
As of April 2018, more than 4,000 Albertsons pharmacists were trained to educate and counsel on the use of Narcan. This training includes how to counsel patients on the availability and appropriateness of naloxone therapy, privately consulting with a patient or caregiver to determine eligibility for Narcan, how to use the product and what to watch for after use. Narcan is covered by most insurance plans, and resources are available to assist those without insurance coverage through public aid.