Philly Leader

In an effort to stop opioid-related deaths in Pennsylvania, the Wolf Administration has expanded its standing orders allowing people to obtain the overdose-reversing drug naloxone.

According to to a press release by Gov. Tom Wolf on Oct. 4, the expanded order will allow residents to obtain a non-prefilled syringe and two vials containing one dose of liquid naloxone for injection. Residents can find the standing order online, which can be brought to a local pharmacy to obtain naloxone. 

“I encourage all Pennsylvanians to get naloxone and keep it on-hand because an overdose can happen anytime, anywhere,” Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Jen Smith said. “This latest expansion of the naloxone standing order underscores the continued need to make this lifesaving drug as accessible as possible and reinforces the Wolf Administration’s dedication to combating the overdose crisis.” 

Naloxone has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is designed to quickly stop an opioid overdose by allowing someone to breathe who has either had their breathing slowed or stopped due to an overdose. Naloxone can be done with or without training.

“With this expansion of naloxone availability, each of us has the opportunity to be a first responder to a fellow Pennsylvanian amid the ongoing opioid crisis,” Gov. Wolf said. “When an overdose is reversed thanks to naloxone, and someone’s life is saved, we are giving them another chance at life. This tool is free for Pennsylvanians, and it works. With it, we can help survivors down the road to recovery and treatment.”

The standing order is through Acting Secretary of Health and Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson. It specifically allows residents and first responders to be able to go to a pharmacy and obtain naloxone, which it also makes available through a mail-based program in partnership with Prevention Point Pittsburgh and NEXT Distro. 

Johnson said she carries naloxone because it has been proven to save lives.

“I want to make it as easy as possible for every adult to have naloxone handy,” Johnson said. “With this expansion of the standing orders, all four forms of naloxone are now available, including the most cost-effective form in two single-dose vials and a non-prefilled syringe.”