Naloxone

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. There are three main pathways to distribute naloxone at your pharmacy:
 

1. Naloxone FREE distribution program in partnership with Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

1. A pharmacy may distribute to a ‘person in a position to assist’ with an overdose:
   1. This may be a family member, friend, caregiver, community-based organization, health care provider, employee of a substance abuse treatment facility, school employee, or first responder.
2. You must provide education on administration and contact information for emergency, crisis, and substance use referrals. Additional materials available here.
3. You must provide data to Iowa HHS every 30 days via email attachment to sor@hhs.iowa.gov:
   1. Number of naloxone trainings conducted
   2. Number of individuals trained on naloxone administration
   3. Number of naloxone kits distributed
   4. Number of naloxone administrations reported (and outcomes, if known)
4.  Naloxone kits obtained through this opportunity must be provided to individuals for free and cannot be sold.
5. Iowa HHS naloxone nasal spray FAQ available here.

 

2. Over the counter sale
   1. As of September 2023, naloxone is available over the counter.
   2. Best practice includes providing administration and referral resources at point of sale.
   3. Additional materials available here. 

 

3. Statewide protocol and standing order
   1. Statewide protocol, if used, must be followed completely.
   2. Dispensing must be reported to PMP.
   3. Eligibility form available here.
   4. Current statewide protocol available here (July 1, 2023).
   5. Current standing order available here (August 8, 2023).

 
Applicable Iowa Code: 155A.27 requirements for prescription; 135.190 possession and administration of opioid antagonists – immunity

Applicable Iowa Administrative Code 481-556.4(1) reporting requirements; 481-552.26 statewide protocols