Naloxone available in Md. without prescription

Naloxone the life saving drug that can reverse the effects of an overdose is now available in Maryland without a prescription.

Just this month a report was released by the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene showing that the amount of overdoses have dramatically increased over the past few years.    

The standing order issued by Dr. Howard Haft which removes the prescription requirement hopes to help combat the number of overdoses.

Wednesday 47 ABC spoke with pharmacist Eric Barbye from Community Pharmacy who said although the standing order has only been in effect for two weeks he's already seen people come in to utilize it.

"We've seen a few patients here and there, again it was just two weeks ago that they approved the standing order so I do think that's going to expand access and we're going to get to see more patients coming in and asking for that, hopefully it's going to decrease the stigma associated with addiction," Barbye said.

If patients have Maryland medicaid  naloxone is available at the pharmacy for a co-pay of just one dollar.