Naloxone Saves Program
Do you know someone who is being treated for pain with an opioid medication, such as oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, methadone, or fentanyl? While these prescription medications may be effective for easing pain, taking too much can cause slow/shallow breathing, blue lips/fingernails, severe lethargy, and even death. According to the CDC, 44 people in the United States die EVERYDAY from a prescription opioid overdose. Fortunately there is an antidote for the preventable side effect(s) of opioids: naloxone and the Naloxone Saves Program.
On June 20, 2016, Governor McCrory signed legislation making naloxone more accessible for North Carolina residents. The new law includes a “standing order” which identifies patients at high risk of overdose and candidates for naloxone, serves as a prescription for patients who qualify for naloxone, and provides guidelines for pharmacy dispensing. Naloxone may be given as an injection or as a nasal spray (which formulation depends on patient preference and insurance coverage).
Both King’s Pharmacy locations are dispensing pharmacies and are able to help determine if you are an eligible candidate for having this potentially life-saving emergency medicine. Please call us or visit http://