Eatontown-Area Pharmacies Give Away Free Naloxone

EATONTOWN, NJ — This weekend, from Sept. 24 to 26, the New Jersey Department of Human Services is making the drug naloxone available for free at participating pharmacies throughout the state.

And the following local pharmacies are participating:

• CVS 130 Hwy 35 Eatontown, NJ 07724 (732) 542-7333
• Pharmacy Town 1560 State Highway 35 Ocean NJ 07712 (732) 493-5100
• Oakhurst Pharmacy 1915 Hwy 35 Oakhurst NJ 07755 (732) 531-3784

Naloxone, more commonly known as Narcan, is an opioid overdose reversal drug. When given to someone overdosing on opiates, such as heroin or fentanyl, it can instantly revive them and restore a heartbeat and breathing.

This Thursday, Friday and Saturday, anyone can walk into the above pharmacies and anonymously obtain naloxone without a prescription or an appointment. This is part of Gov. Phil Murphy's effort to combat the opioid crisis. Each naloxone pack contains two doses.

See all the other participating pharmacies in the state here: https://nj.gov/humanservices/s...

New Jersey's Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said Monday that May saw the highest number of suspected overdose deaths in any month in the last three years.

"Overall the state has seen a 12 percent increase in suspected drug-related deaths from January to July 2020 when compared to the same period last year," she said. "Initiatives to get Narcan, naloxone, into the hands of more residents are vital for battling the epidemic right now."

The top doctor at New Jersey Poison Control, based at Rutgers, praised the move.

“Naloxone – more commonly known as Narcan – reverses the fatal effects of opioids on the central nervous system in an overdose,” says Diane Calello, executive medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control, based at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “It’s a life-saving drug that needs to be in the hands of bystanders in all communities. Opioids can include the illegal drug heroin, prescription pain medicines such as oxycodone [OxyContin] and the synthetic drug fentanyl. Every minute counts in an overdose emergency, and more access to naloxone means more lives saved."

"Naloxone is only effective in stopping an opioid overdose where the individual stops breathing. It will not reverse the effects of other drug overdoses," she added.

Those who get the free naloxone this weekend will also be given information regarding addiction treatment and recovery through Reach NJ, a 24/7 addiction hotline where people can get immediate assistance and support from live, New Jersey-based, trained addiction counselors.
An individual who calls the program’s toll-free number, 844-ReachNJ (732-2465), will reach a live staff member who will help connect you to treatment.