New Mexico Pharmacists May Now Prescribe Opioid Overdose Reversal Medication

New Mexico is the first state to authorize pharmacists to prescribe naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and keep victims alive until professional medical help can arrive. All pharmacists registered and practicing within New Mexico may prescribe naloxone, under a protocol (PDF) developed by the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy, after successfully completing an approved course of training in the area of naloxone and opioid overdose drug therapy. At least 60 pharmacists have already completed training, according to The Santa Fe New Mexican. Since 2001, pharmacists in New Mexico have had limited authority to prescribe some medications. The New Mexico Board of Pharmacy has authorized pharmacist prescribing of vaccines, emergency contraception, tobacco cessation therapy, and now, naloxone. More information is available in the March 2014 issue of the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy State Newsletter.