Evaluating Naloxone Access and Prescribing Requirements in the Opioid Epidemic Across the United States

Abstract

Introduction: Deaths related to opioid overdose has been an increasing problem in the United States. In 2016, over 42,000 people died from opioid related overdoses. Deaths related to opioid overdoses can be prevented by the use of naloxone which reverses the effects of opioids. Approaches to promote naloxone access have been described by federal agencies, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The objective of this study is to examine which states require physicians to prescribe naloxone to patients receiving opioids, which states allow pharmacists to prescribe naloxone to patients, and layperson access. Methods: Using national and state databases, information was collected and analyzed for each state regarding the requirements of concurrently prescribing naloxone with opioid prescriptions. We also analyzed naloxone access in community pharmacies for each state. Finally, we assessed which states allowed layperson access through naloxone hubs without a prescription. Results: Currently, all 50 states and the District of Colombia allow physicians to prescribe naloxone for patients at risk of opioid overdose. Conclusion: Changing laws have helped make naloxone easier for people to access this life-saving medication by increasing how it can be distributed beyond traditional prescriptions. Increased access allows individuals at risk, as well as friends and families of those at risk, be prepared in the event of an opioid overdose.