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Roundy's Supermarkets make naloxone available to reverse opioid overdoses

Published  October 3, 2016 11:24am CDT
Health
FOX 6 Now Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE -- Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. announced on Monday, October 3rd that its 70 Pick ’n Save, Copps and Metro Market pharmacies are now making the medicine naloxone (also known as narcan) available without prescription to reverse opioid overdoses.

Roundy’s is one of the first chain pharmacies in Wisconsin to offer this life-saving opioid antidote.

Pick ’n Save, Copps and Metro Market received permission to begin dispensing the medicine after signing off on the State of Wisconsin’s Naloxone Protocol, which became available to Wisconsin pharmacies on August 26th. In addition to internal training, all of the Pick ’n Save, Copps and Metro Market Wisconsin pharmacists completed a required training course on standardized procedures for dispensing and training patients on the safe use of naloxone.

Kyle Beyer, PharmD., BCACP, Manager of Clinical Care at Roundy’s issued this statement in a news release:

"At Pick ’n Save, Copps and Metro Market, we want those dealing with addiction and their families, as well as families of patients on high doses of prescription opioids to have convenient access to naloxone."


A news release indicates Pick ’n Save, Copps and Metro Market pharmacists may provide the opioid reversal medicine to those who might benefit from it the most. These individuals include those at risk of overdose as well as a family member or friend who can help an individual at risk of overdose. Each naloxone kit contains a two-dose nasal spray with education materials.

Beyer said those needing the medication can go to a Pick ’n Save, Copps and/or Metro Market pharmacy to ask for it; they do not need an appointment. Pick ’n Save, Copps and Metro Market pharmacists will provide screening and training before a customer gets a naloxone kit.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) drug overdose deaths totaled 853 in Wisconsin in 2014. After experiencing a rise in overdose deaths, Wisconsin passed a law a year ago that expanded access to naloxone. Naloxone has become a tool in reversing overdoses caused by heroin and opiate medications.