ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) – New York State has announced a statewide pharmacy standing order for naloxone beginning Monday.
Naloxone is a medication that is used to block the effects of opioids allowing a person to regain consciousness and resume normal breathing.
According to the state health department, some pharmacy chains have provided their own standing orders. Those standing orders combined covered more than 2,600 pharmacies.
The health department says that the standing order will apply to all pharmacies in New York State. The pharmacies will not need to apply individually for a standing order to start dispensing naloxone to customers.
Pharmacies which already have naloxone standing orders may continue to use them.
“Naloxone is a critical tool in addressing the overdose epidemic and has prevented thousands of overdose deaths across New York State,” Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said. “Making it easier to obtain this lifesaving medication will mean more individuals have a meaningful chance to receive services and supports to assist in improving their health. OASAS looks forward to ongoing collaboration with the State Department of Health through our newly announced Harm Reduction unit, as we continue this and other efforts to support New Yorkers and their families who have been impacted by addiction.”
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