WVU in the News: To save lives, overdose antidote should be sold over-the-counter, advocates argue
Though all 50 states allow individuals to buy naloxone, often known by the brand-name drug Narcan, organizations that order the medication from drugmakers are subject to federal rules that designate the drug as prescription-only. The rules make accessing the lifesaving medication difficult for those at high risk of overdosing.
The cost of the medication, requirements to show ID, a fear of discrimination from pharmacists and an inability to find a pharmacy that stocks naloxone are all barriers, said West Virginia University researcher Robin Pollini, who studies naloxone distribution.
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