Walgreens stores will begin selling the opiate antidote naloxone, known by the brand name Narcan, without a prescription.
Walgreens pharmacies in New Jersey will be selling Narcan without a prescription by the end of the year, the drugstore chain announced earlier this month.
The drug Naloxone, which is more commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a nasal spray or injectable that can counter the effects of a heroin or opiate overdose in as little as two minutes.
New Jersey is one of 35 states in Walgreens' proposed Naloxone program, which aims to put the drug in the hands of those who need it.
Pharmacies in New York began selling naloxone without a prescription in early Febraury with Walgreens pharmacies in Indiana and Ohio following throughout the month. By the end of the year it is expected to be available in 5,800 Walgreens stores.
CVS stores began selling the drug without a prescription in New Jersey and 12 other states in September of 2015.
Pharmacists will have to train those purchasing the drug on how to use it properly.
Rebecca Forand may be reached at rforand@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @RebeccaForand. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.