"Sole purpose is to save lives:" Narcan, which can reverse effects of overdose, to be available at CVS



MILWAUKEE -- It is a medication that can reverse the effects of certain drug overdoses, and save lives. Soon, you'll be able to purchase it at CVS Pharmacy without a prescription.

"Its sole purpose is to save lives," Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel said.

Narcan



Naloxone, sometimes referred to by the brand name Narcan is a medication that can reverse the life-threatening effects of an opiate overdose -- whether the source is heroin or a pain medication.

Soon, you'll be able to purchase Narcan without a prescription at CVS Pharmacy locations in Wisconsin.

"I support making it available. The challenge is that right now it's not legal to do that because it is necessary to have a prescription for it," Schimel said.

CVS Pharmacy



However, Schimel says he's not looking to pursue CVS Pharmacy to make the medication available prescription free.

"With all the different things that require a prescription, this probably isn't one of the things that should," Schimel said.

FOX6 News spoke with Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette), who has quarterbacked several legislative efforts to combat heroin and opiate addiction.

"Putting it in the hands of everyday citizens as CVS is suggesting I think will go a long way towards preventing unnecessary loss of life in our state," Rep. Nygren said.

Those looking to purchase the medication without a prescription should note that they might not get it right away. A CVS Pharmacy spokesman says CVS would order it for the customer, who should get it by the next day.

John Nygren



In spite of that, Rep. Nygren says it will still be valuable to allow family and friends of opiate users to stock up on the medication.

"You end up carrying Narcan with you just in case," Rep. Nygren said.

As for the question about the legality of selling the medication to those without a prescription, Rep. Nygren says he believes that stems from the federal level, and that he plans to delve further into whether the state could do something to change the requirement.