USA. Americans Need Naloxone and Pharmacists Shouldn’t Hesitate to Give It to Them
USA. Americans Need Naloxone and Pharmacists Shouldn’t Hesitate to Give It to Them
Every generation struggles with their own set of public health issues. Our generation is faced with the opioid epidemic–which has been brewing for over 20 years. A closer look into the past few decades reveal a staggering trend: levels of prescription opioid use grew exponentially from 1999 to 2014, although there was no overall change in the amount of pain that Americans reported. In light of unprecedented overdose rates, President Trump has declared the issue a public health emergency.
For reducing overdose deaths, widespread distribution of naloxone–an overdose medication used to block or reverse the effects of opioid drugs–remains the primary measure that can help immediately. Moreover, nearly every state has modified relevant laws and regulations to encourage standing orders for naloxone. Through these standing orders, states have essentially designated a prescription for naloxone to all of their citizens.
This means that pharmacists are now clear stakeholders. They have the clinical responsibility to dispense this life-saving drug and provide patient education about its use. However, widespread distribution of naloxone has been hampered by pharmacists’ misconceptions about criminal liability. (IRETA, 07.02.2018)