Connecticut pharmacists will soon be able to prescribe Narcan, a drug that can save the life of someone who’s overdosed on heroin or prescription opioids.
Under a law signed this month, pharmacists in the state have been given the ability to prescribe Narcan once they complete a new training program.
The Connecticut Pharmacists Association is helping to develop the training program for pharmacists. Marghie Giuliano, the executive vice president of the Connecticut Pharmacists Association, says the program would teach pharmacists how to figure out which customers may be at risk for opioid overdose.
“Most importantly, how to educate the patients on properly using and administering Narcan in case of an overdose. What expectations they might see after they administer, etc.,” she said.
Pharmacists would also be able to give out Narcan to people who are in contact with those at risk of overdose, like parents with kids who might be abusing drugs, and the caregivers of elderly patients who are prescribed opioids. Guiliano says the training program would also help pharmacists refer customers to substance abuse counseling.
She expects the Department of Consumer Protection to approve the pharmacist training program as soon as this month.