CVS announced this week that its 800 stores will be added to the list of locations where Texans can purchase the opioid reversal agent naloxone.
Lawmakers during last legislative session passed a bill permitting doctors to write a standing order so that any resident could buy the drug over the counter at participating pharmacies. The Texas Pharmacy Association last month signed an order that would allow Walgreens pharmacists to take a one-hour course on administering the drug to do so. In August, CVS will join the initiative as well.
Naloxone briefly shuts off the body’s access to opioid receptors, reversing the effect for a short period after overdosing. The drug will cost between $50 and $100 and is also available through Medicaid and some private plans.
