(WWLP- Kristina D’Amours) – State leaders are demanding increased access to naloxone, the life-saving opioid reversal drug.
Lawmaker’s calls are in response to a Boston Globe survey that found more than 60 pharmacies did not have the drug in stock or displayed on store shelves. The FDA approved the first over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray last year.
Massachusetts law also requires all pharmacies to maintain a continuous supply of the life-saving drug. “If a pharmacy runs out and they are not telling anybody that they are running out, they need to be held accountable for that,” said Senator John Velis. “I want to know how many stores are carrying versus not. And the notes, why are they not carrying it and following the DPH guidelines.”
Senator Velis plans to reach out to the Department of Public Health about current state guidelines and will be raising this issue as part of the Joint Committee’s work this session.