Increase in Naloxone Prescriptions Dispensed in US Retail Pharmacies Since 2013

Am J Public Health. 2016 Apr;106(4):689-90. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303062. Epub 2016 Feb 18.

Abstract

Distribution of naloxone, traditionally through community-based naloxone programs, is a component of a comprehensive strategy to address the epidemic of prescription opioid and heroin overdose deaths in the United States. Recently, there has been increased focus on naloxone prescription in the outpatient setting, particularly through retail pharmacies, yet data on this practice are sparse. We found an 1170% increase in naloxone dispensing from US retail pharmacies between the fourth quarter of 2013 and the second quarter of 2015. These findings suggest that prescribing naloxone in the outpatient setting complements traditional community-based naloxone programs.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Analgesics, Opioid / poisoning
  • Drug Overdose / drug therapy*
  • Drug Prescriptions / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Naloxone / therapeutic use*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Pharmacies / trends*
  • United States
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Naloxone