ARTICLE
(Hyannis - March 9, 2016) The opioid overdose antidote, naloxone, also known as narcan, is now available without a doctor’s prescription at the Stoneman Outpatient Center pharmacy in Sandwich and will be available beginning Monday, March 14, at the new Fontaine Outpatient Center pharmacy in Harwich. “This new policy is saving lives,” said Peter Scarafile, pharmacy director at Cape Cod Healthcare. “Given the impact opioid overdoses is having on the Cape, we want to take a leading role in naloxone education, not only those who are addicted to opioids, but their friends, family and the general public. As part of the healthcare system, our pharmacies are very well positioned to dispense this drug.” The state last year approved the distribution of naloxone through designated pharmacies without a physician prescription. Most insurance plans cover the cost of the drug. Naloxone acts as an antidote to opioid overdoses by attaching to the same parts of the brain that receive heroin and other opioids, and blocks the narcotic for 30-90 minutes to reverse the respiratory effects that would otherwise lead to death from the overdose, explained Scarafile. The drug can either be administered through an injection into the upper arm or through a nasal spray. The injection or spray provides enough time for the victim to be rushed to the hospital for further treatment, before the maximum 90 minutes elapses. “It’s critical that 911 is called after administering naloxone because the impact of an overdose most likely will last longer than the antidote’s effectiveness,” Scarafile said. The retail pharmacies at Stoneman and Fontaine are the latest outpatient facilities offered by Cape Cod Healthcare. “Our mission is to meet the healthcare needs of our community in the best way possible,” said Michael K. Lauf, President and CEO of Cape Cod Healthcare. “By offering naloxone at our two pharmacy locations, we are making a life-saving drug available in convenient locations so that our community can be healthier and safer. We must all do our part to address this opioid crisis and make sure there is no more needless loss of life.” Naloxone is safe, cannot be abused and cannot cause an overdose, according to Scarafile. Hypersensitivity such as a rash or anxiety is very rare, and too much of the drug can cause a runny nose and eyes, muscle discomfort, nausea and vomiting and some disorientation, he said. Those who are encouraged to obtain a naloxone kit include people with a history of nonmedical opioid and methadone use, as well as those who have an opioid prescription for pain who may also suffer from COPD, emphysema, asthma, sleep apnea, respiratory infection, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS or cardiac illness. A pharmacist at each pharmacy location is available to talk with patients about the proper way to administer the medication and any other question they may have. For more information, please call: • Stoneman Outpatient Center Pharmacy (Sandwich) – 774-338-5010 • Fontaine Outpatient Center Pharmacy (Harwich) – 508-430-3311 Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians, 4,500 employees and 1,100 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare has two acute care hospitals, the Cape’s leading provider of homecare and hospice services (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility, the Cape’s only local laboratory service (C-Lab) and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org. Cape Cod Healthcare. Visit our new health news site www.onecapehealthnews.com for the latest in relevant and credible healthcare news.