Narcan to be widely available over-the-counter

Pharmacy chain CVS is planning to sell Narcan over the counter at all of their Ohio stores. That makes 14 states where the potentially life-saving drug will be available without a prescription. The drug, Naloxone, reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, including heroin. The drug is widely used by police and medics when dealing with overdoses. According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, naloxone was given nearly 13,000 times across Ohio last year. The drug is administered as inhaler through the nose or through an injection and can reverse the opioid’s effects, if given in time. And for those who think Narcan will encourage users, the drug also can send people into a rapid and excruciating withdrawal.