COLUMBUS –The number of pharmacies across the state which offer Narcan® without a prescription is growing — and includes popular stores in Eaton, Camden and Oxford.

The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy announced on Wednesday, Oct. 19, with the recent addition of Giant Eagle and Rite Aid stores there are now more than 1,300 pharmacies in 84 counties offering naloxone without a prescription.

Among pharmacies offering the drug without a prescription are Camden Village Pharmacy, CVS Pharmacy in Eaton and Oxford, Walgreens in Eaton and Oxford, and Kroger Pharmacy in Oxford.

Naloxone (Narcan®) is a safe medication that can reverse an overdose that is caused by prescription opioids, heroin and fentanyl. When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and can restore breathing in a matter of minutes.

“I am pleased that pharmacies throughout Ohio are recognizing the importance of offering this life-saving medication,” said State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy Executive Director Steven W. Schierholt. “Getting naloxone in the hands of individuals who can intervene in the event of an overdose is critical to reducing unintentional drug overdose deaths in Ohio.”

To expand access to what is considered a “life-saving drug,” Governor John Kasich signed House Bill 4 into law, which allows pharmacists to dispense this medication without a prescription to an at-risk opioid user or someone who can intervene in the event of an overdose.

As a result, 65 percent (1,374) of all retail pharmacies in Ohio are offering naloxone without a prescription. This represents a sizable increase from the 47 percent (1,000) of retail pharmacies previously reported in August.

For a complete list of all pharmacies offering naloxone without a prescription, those interested can visit: www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/stopoverdose.