NARCAN nasal spray is now available in every ACME pharmacy in New Jersey
MALVERN, PA. -- ACME Markets announced the availability of Narcan (naloxone HCI) nasal spray in all ACME pharmacies across New Jersey. This builds upon Acme's prior commitment to have Narcan available in its Pennsylvania stores.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), naloxone has saved 26,463 lives nationwide over the past 20 years. The CDC now estimates that 78 people die every day from an opioid-related overdose in the U.S. Now each Acme pharmacy in New Jersey, a total of 57 locations, will carry Narcan Nasal Spray on site -- bringing the total to 96 Acme pharmacies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
"The opioid and heroin epidemic cannot be ignored," said Debi Strunk-Ross, Patient Care Services manager for ACME Markets. "By stocking Narcan Nasal Spray in our pharmacies, we hope to give our communities -- the family, friends, loved ones and caregivers of those struggling with addiction -- a tool that might help prevent the avoidable loss of a loved one."
Through the state-wide standing order, New Jersey residents who are capable of administering the opioid antidote to an overdose victim will be able to obtain Narcan from any Acme pharmacy in New Jersey without the need of a prescription.
The Naloxone dispensing procedures are specifically designed to not only save lives in a life threatening situation, but to aid in the patient's recovery so he or she can then seek treatment or drug counseling. Prior to dispensing Narcan, each eligible person requesting Narcan will be provided educational information including risk factors and prevention, recognition of an opioid overdose, calling emergency services, rescue breathing, and the proper administration of the product.
Since the person receiving the Narcan is not the intended end user, insurance billing is not available. Patients at risk for an overdose will be advised to see a medical provider.
"This partnership is an important milestone in increasing access to FDA-approved naloxone formulations across U.S. communities. We are encouraged by Acme's decision to stock Narcan Nasal Spray, within New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which allow patient access to this opioid overdose treatment without an individual physician-written naloxone prescription," said Thom Duddy, executive director of communications - Adapt Pharma. "Narcan Nasal Spray was designed with communities in mind, specifically breaking down barriers to a medication that has been proven, intuitive and ready-to-use by those most likely to encounter an overdose emergency, the friends, loved ones and caregivers of patients."
Narca Nasal Spray is the first and only FDA-approved naloxone nasal spray for the emergency treatment of opioid-, fentanyl- and heroin-related overdose. It is now available as a ready-to-use, needle-free, 4 mg concentrated dose of naloxone in a single spray with very few side effects and minimal risk for addiction. While Narcan Nasal Spray is an alternative to currently available opioid overdose emergency treatments; it is not a substitute for emergency medical care.
This item submitted by Danielle D'Elia for Acme Markets.
