The opioid overdose treatment Narcan became available over the counter in pharmacies throughout Alaska last week [week of september 11].
Robin Lutz is executive director at the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, or 4As. Her organization distributes a stronger version of Narcan, called Kloxxado [klok-SAHD-oh] as part of their harm reduction efforts. She says having Narcan available over the counter can save lives. That’s especially true in areas where there is no free distribution of opioid overdose kits.
19OTC01 (:11) when something gets offered over the counter, there is a little part of that action that normalizes the use of something, like, ‘oh yeah, I need to buy some tylenol and tampons and also, I’m going to pick up Narcan.’
Lutz says carrying an opioid overdose kit is something all Alaskans should consider. And any household with an opioid prescription should keep a kit just in case.
But she worries about the cost of the overdose kits. Narcan will be sold in packs of two for about $45.
19OTC02 (:11) especially, specifically fentanyl overdoses that could take four doses to revive. And then that has to be re administered in a short amount of time, depending on the person’s system and how they’re doing.
Naloxone kits are also still available by prescription and sometimes covered by insurance. And many organizations in Alaska distribute free opioid overdose kits. People can get kits at many public health centers or clinics.
