Prescribers and Naloxone Pharmacy Claims

Excerpt

We appreciate the response from Truong, Patil, and Rich to our study regarding retail pharmacy naloxone prescriptions¹ and thank them for highlighting the importance of patient and caregiver education for individuals receiving naloxone. While naloxone is generally considered a safe medication, like almost all medications, there are risks of unintended adverse consequences if not used as intended. It is essential that prescribers educate patients and caregivers regarding the circumstances when naloxone should be administered, and the procedures for administering it, when writing a naloxone prescription. In addition, since nearly all states have laws or policies that allow individuals to obtain naloxone from a pharmacist without a prescription from a physician, pharmacists also play a critical role in counseling patients and caregivers regarding the circumstances when naloxone should be administered and proper procedures for administration.² …