W. Va. Pharmacist Says Cost of Naloxone Without Prescription May Deter Potential Buyers
Although West Virginia pharmacies are now allowed to disburse naloxone without a prescription, the cost of the lifesaving drug may be a prohibiting factor.
After the state Legislature passed the measure during its regular session, the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy issued guidelines July 1 to pharmacists about the distribution of naloxone, an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of overdoses from drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone.
Eppy's Drug Store in Beckley keeps the reversal drug stocked, but so far, no one has tried to purchase it without a prescription.
"The cost is expensive," said pharmacist Frank Ferrell. "No one is going to be able to afford it."
The injectable version of the drug is $237, Ferrell said. The nasal spray costs $150.
Many people in southern West Virginia simply can't afford these prices, so he doesn't expect many doses of naloxone to be sold without a prescription.
Patients who do have a prescription may pay little or none of the cost. For example, someone with Medicaid has a $0 co-pay. Other types of insurance may cover up to 50 percent of the cost.
"My thoughts are it's expensive. It could be good for the community, but not if they can't afford it."
Another pharmacy, Crab Orchard Pharmacy, does not currently carry either version of the drug.
Pharmacist Kathlyn Sallaz said their cost for the nasal spray would be between $160-175, but she did not immediately have pricing information for the injectable option.
"At this time, we're just undecided if we want to carry it," Sallaz said. "We haven't had anyone request it yet."
Rite Aid on Johnstown Road and Beckley Pharmacy also reported no one has tried to purchase the medication without a prescription.
Two other pharmacies in Beckley, Colony Drug and Bypass Pharmacy on Harper Road, reported they have yet to receive the guidelines issued by the Board of Pharmacy.
The guidelines require pharmacists and pharmacy interns to provide patient counseling when distributing the opioid antagonist.
They must discuss how to properly administer the drug, the importance of contacting emergency services as soon as possible either before or after administering the drug, and the risk associated with failure to contact emergency services.
Pharmacists must also provide educational materials about opiate-related overdose prevention and treatment programs, as well as materials on administering naloxone, dosage, effectiveness, adverse effects, storage conditions, shelf life and safety.
If the recipient is interested in addiction treatment or recovery services, the pharmacist will provide a toll-free number, 1-844-HELP-4-WV, that can connect the person with appropriate services.
— Email: wholdren@register-herald.com; follow on Twitter @WendyHoldren
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