Availability of Naloxone in Pharmacies and Knowledge of Pharmacy Staff Regarding Dispensing Naloxone to Younger Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the immediate availability of naloxone in pharmacies and the knowledge of pharmacy staff regarding naloxone dispensing protocols, especially as it relates to younger adolescents.

Methods: The primary sample included pharmacies in the 10 states with the highest number of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2016; in addition, pharmacies in the 2 states with the highest prevalence of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2016 were also contacted. Researchers simulated a routine conversation between pharmacy staff and a potential customer about the immediate availability of and requirements to purchase naloxone.

Results: The primary sample included 120 pharmacies (82.5% chain pharmacies; 50.8% rural). The majority (80.3%) had at least one form of naloxone in stock. Pharmacy staff were knowledgeable about prescription and third-party purchasing requirements. However, almost half incorrectly responded that there was a minimum age requirement to purchase naloxone.

Conclusion: This study reveals barriers to obtaining naloxone, including a lack of immediate in-store availability and a common misperception that naloxone cannot be dispensed to minors.

Keywords: Minors; Naloxone; Narcan; Opioid crisis; Overdose prevention; Public health; Standing order.