News

Free Clinics now stocks drug overdose antidote

By Bill Moss, Published: January 30, 2015

The Free Clinics Community Pharmacy will begin dispensing the drug antidote drug Naloxone at its 841 Case Street location.

The opioid antidote Naloxone (also known by the brand name Narcan®) to residents of Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties with a prescription starting Monday, Feb. 2. The Free Clinics Community Pharmacy is the only pharmacy in Henderson or Polk counties with Naloxone nasal spray kits for community members, the nonprofit agency said in a news release.

Naloxone is used to counter the effects of opioid overdose, including morphine and heroin overdose. The Free Clinics (TFC) will be offering Naloxone as a nasal spray kit that friends or family members can administer to counteract life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system. A temporary drug that wears off in 20-90 minutes, Naloxone is a nonscheduled (i.e., non-addictive), prescription medication. Naloxone only works if a person has opioids in their system; the medication has no effect if opioids are absent. Although traditionally administered by emergency response personnel, naloxone can be administered by minimally trained laypeople, which makes it ideal for treating overdose in people who have been prescribed opioid pain medication, and in people who may misuse opioids, including heroin. Naloxone has no potential for abuse.
Family members who are concerned that a loved one may be at risk of opioid overdose may wish to consult with their family physician about a prescription for Naloxone.
The Free Clinics will fill prescriptions for Naloxone for all community members – there is no need to qualify for TFC's services. For individuals who meet TFC's regular eligibility criteria (low-income, uninsured), there will be a regular filling fee of $3. For other community members, TFC is offering Naloxone kits at our replacement cost, $75. Limited funds are available for assistance.
Anyone wishing to fill a prescription for Naloxone must attend an education session to learn to administer the medication effectively. Please call 697-8422 to register. The sessions will be held as follows:

• Mondays, February 2, 9, and 16 at noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00pm
• Wednesdays, February 4, 11, and 18 at 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, and 11:00 am
• Fridays, February 6, 13, and 20 at 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, noon, and 1:00 pm

For more information about Naloxone, or to learn about the programs and volunteer opportunities at The Free Clinics,  call 697-8422 or visit www.thefreeclinics.org.