HYANNIS – Narcan availability is increasing on Cape Cod after the state approved a plan to make the opiate overdose antidote available without a doctor’s prescription.
Cape Cod Healthcare is now offering the drug at the Stoneman Outpatient Center pharmacy in Sandwich and will have narcan available at the Fontaine Outpatient Center pharmacy in Harwich on Monday March 14.
“This new policy is saving lives,” said Peter Scarafile, Cape Cod Healthcare’s Pharmacy Director.“Given the impact opioid overdoses is having on the Cape, we want to take a leading role in naloxone education, not only those who are addicted to opioids, but their friends, family and the general public.”
“We want to be proactive. We want to make sure access is not a problem,” Scarafile added. “We’re not under any illusion that this is a magic bullet. It’s only one part of attacking this problem.”
Pharmacists at both locations will be trained to counsel patients on the proper use of the drug. The state plan, approved last year, allows the distribution of narcan, also known as naloxone, through certain pharmacies.
The cost of the drug is covered by most insurance plans.
When applied correctly, naloxone works as an overdose antidote by blocking narcotics for 30-90 minutes and reversing effects that would lead to an overdose death.
By MATT McCARTHY, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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