Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Aug 15, 2024 – According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the amount of people who have died from drug overdose in the U.S. more than doubled from 2015 to 2022 with 75% of those deaths caused by opioids. Arkansas is no exception to the opioid epidemic that has been ongoing since the 1990s with over 600 overdose deaths in 2022. Arkansas pharmacists have continued to answer the call of helping their communities by combating opioid overdose with providing access to life-saving medications.
What are opioids and what causes an overdose to occur?
Prescription opioids come in different forms such as tablets, injections, patches, and sublingual films and are most commonly used to treat acute and chronic pain associated with surgeries or cancers. These medications work by blocking the pain signals in the body and create a euphoric effect in the process. Examples of opioids include: Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Morphine, Codeine, Fentanyl, Buprenorphine, Tramadol, Carisoprodol. Like any other medication, there are risks associated with opioids which can cause harm and be life threatening if more is consumed than intended. Overdose happens when a person takes more opioids than can be tolerated or the opioid’s manufactured forms are altered (crushed, chewed, cut, injected).
Don’t Run. Call 911.
Arkansas is 1 of 47 states that currently has a “Good Samaritan Law” providing immunity to Arkansans seeking medical assistance for an overdose. Individuals who attempt to assist a person they believe to be overdosing are protected from arrest, charge or prosecution for possessing an illicit substance or violating their parole, restraining order, probation, or pretrial release if those violations are connected with seeking assistance.
What is Narcan?
Narcan (naloxone nasal spray) is a life saving medication that temporarily reverses the effects of opioids until emergency help arrives. It is equivalent to having a fire extinguisher available when it is needed the most. It comes in two main forms: nasal spray and intramuscular injection. The most common form is the nasal spray that comes with 2 doses ready to administer at a moment’s notice. Each form has a set of instructions for proper use and our pharmacists at Super V Drugs are more than happy to go over those instructions if needed.
How your pharmacist can help:
Arkansas pharmacists are authorized to prescribe, dispense and/or administer Narcan. It is recommended that everyone keep Narcan on hand, especially those that take opioids as prescribed in case a child or pet ingests them accidentally. Most insurances cover Narcan at little to no cost. Talk to one of our pharmacists at Super V Drugs today about how you can receive your emergency use Narcan.
Prevention is key.
The best way anyone can help combat drug overdose is practicing safe handling of opioids and other medications. Store medications in a safe, child- and pet-proof area, take all medications as directed by your provider, never take anyone else’s medications, and do not mix prescription medications with alcohol or illicit substances. If you have any questions about which medications you can safely take together, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our pharmacists at Super V Drugs!
References
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Naloxone_Standing_Order_Dr_Bala.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/drug_poisoning_mortality/drug_poisoning.htm
