Lifesaving Naloxone Tough to Find in Texas pharmacies
Last summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a significant move by allowing the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone to be sold over-the-counter. This decision was lauded by health care advocates who saw it as a crucial step in combating FYL-related deaths. However, despite this regulatory change, accessing naloxone, particularly in the form of the nasal spray known as Naloxone, remains challenging.
A recent report from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy revealed that out of 156 pharmacies surveyed in Houston, a staggering 71% either kept naloxone behind the counter or were completely out of stock. Naloxone, known for its ability to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses, is typically priced at $43 for a box containing two doses, making it relatively expensive for many consumers.
The inconsistency in practices among pharmacies, coupled with slow resupply times, contributes to the difficulty in obtaining Naloxone. Katharine Neill Harris, a drug policy fellow at Rice University, noted that while some pharmacies face high demand and frequent stockouts, others choose to keep Naloxone behind the counter to prevent theft or simply do not carry it at all.
The prevalence of FYL-related deaths in Texas underscores the urgency of ensuring widespread access to naloxone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 45% of drug-related deaths in Texas from August 2022 to 2023 involved FYL. Despite the FDA's intention to increase accessibility by allowing over-the-counter sales, the reality is far from ideal.
A study conducted by students at Rice University revealed that while most pharmacies in the Houston area stocked some form of naloxone, a significant portion still restricted access by keeping it behind the counter. Moreover, the requirement for pharmacist or cashier assistance, and in some cases, the need for identification, further complicates the purchasing process.
The confusion surrounding Naloxone's availability is not limited to Houston. Similar challenges exist nationwide, with reports indicating that over 40% of pharmacies in Mississippi do not carry naloxone, despite state regulations allowing its dispensation without a prescription.
Efforts to raise awareness about naloxone, including public service campaigns and government grants for distribution, are underway. However, systemic issues such as pharmacist workload and staffing shortages pose significant barriers to improving access.
Pharmacists like Julie Bennett, who actively advocate for increased naloxone availability, face obstacles in their efforts due to time constraints and demanding work environments. The strain on pharmacy staff, exacerbated by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and corporate pressures, hampers their ability to prioritize naloxone stocking and distribution.
In conclusion, while the FDA's decision to make naloxone available over-the-counter represents a crucial step in addressing the opioid crisis, challenges persist in ensuring widespread access. Addressing these challenges will require concerted efforts from policymakers, pharmacy stakeholders, and the broader community to prioritize naloxone distribution and mitigate barriers to access.
Source: The Texas Tribune