Lt. Gov. Brian Calley reminds residents that Naloxone, commonly known as narcan, is available without a prescription to anyone at risk of an opioid overdose or people who might help someone who’s at risk.
Of the 1,500 orders of narcan dispensed in the first three months this year, 468 have been through the standing order that allows pharmacies to dispense the drug without a prescription. The order has been in effect for about a year.
“The addiction epidemic is affecting every community in our state and proactive efforts will help provide more second chances and fewer funerals,” Calley stated in a news release. “Naloxone’s availability without a prescription may be the difference between life and death and I encourage more Michiganders to take advantage of the availability of this overdose antidote.”
Prior to the standing order, narcan was available by prescription only. The majority of opioid overdoses occur due to prescription painkillers, fentanyl and heroin.
In recent years, law enforcement and other first responders have increased their capacity to administer narcan to those suspected of overdosing.
“The standing order is helping ensure Naloxone is available when and where it is needed,” said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Eden Wells stated in a news release. “I urge those who are at risk of an opioid-related overdose as well as their loved ones to utilize this standing order and be prepared to administer this potentially life-saving drug.”
More than 55 percent of the state’s 2,797 pharmacies with controlled substance licenses, or 1,546, are registered to dispense naloxone under the standing order. Pharmacies are required to track the amount of naloxone dispensed and report these numbers quarterly to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
In Michigan, from 1999-2016, 7,300 people have died from an opioid overdose. More than 60 percent of the overdose-related deaths have occurred since 2010. This dramatic increase in Michigan is on par with that of other states.
People who obtain naloxone from pharmacies receive information on steps for responding to an opioid overdose and where to go for further treatment.
Other efforts by Michigan to combat the opioid epidemic include:
• Providing online resources for patients, health professionals and communities about prevention and treatment of opioid abuse
• The Michigan Automated Prescription System provides real-time prescription data and resources to assess a patient’s risk for substance use disorder
• Assistance with proper drug disposal of unwanted medications
• Michigan State Police posts serving as drug-take back sites and providing the Angel Program for individuals struggling with addiction
For more information about opioids and the additional steps to prevent overdose, visit Michigan.gov/stopoverdoses.