Walgreens to sell overdose drug without prescription

Walgreens announced earlier this week that it will begin carrying an overdose medicine for sale over-the-counter in all 45 states that allow it.

Known commercially as Narcan, the drug is administered as a nasal spray. Narcan is an FDA-approved form of naloxone, and counteracts the respiratory depression, which can result from an overdose and which can lead to death.

While the drug typically costs about $130 without insurance, the over-the-counter prices could be around 25 percent lower, based on current price points and discounts for other pharmacies already carrying the drug.

Pharmaceutical wholesaler AmerisourceBergen has given Walgreens Narcan demonstration devices for free, so they can show the public how to administer the medication.

“By stocking Narcan in all our pharmacies, we are making it easier for families and caregivers to help their loved ones by having it on hand in case it is needed,” said Rick Gates, Walgreens group vice president of pharmacy, in a statement. “As a pharmacy we are committed to making Narcan more accessible in the communities we serve.”

ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton praised the decision on Thursday’s “Good Morning America,” saying, “This drug saves lives. Think of this maybe as defibrillator, EpiPen, another piece of lifesaving medical equipment that probably is going to be pretty widespread now.”