Study: Some Pharmacists Lack Naloxone Knowledge

Despite regulations that require Massachusetts pharmacies with a standing order for naloxone to provide training on the opioid overdose drug to pharmacists, those surveyed lacked a solid understanding of naloxone products, according to a study published online in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association.

“The United States declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency in 2017 and recommended increasing access and availability of naloxone, a reversal agent for opioid overdose,” researchers wrote. “In Massachusetts, there is a statewide standing order for naloxone, which allows pharmacists to dispense it without a prescription to any person at-risk of experiencing an opioid overdose or other persons who can assist individuals at-risk.”

Researchers visited 79 of the nearly 800 pharmacies in the state with a standing order for naloxone. During their visits, they used a validated 25-item survey to gauge pharmacists’ knowledge about naloxone and the management of patients with an opioid overdose.

Fewer than half of pharmacists surveyed were aware that different formulations of naloxone contain different quantities, according to the study. In the event of an opioid overdose, 52% knew to call 911, 8% knew to initiate rescue breathing, and just 4% knew to put patients in a recovery position.

“The level of education Massachusetts pharmacists possess on naloxone products and administration is not sufficient to counsel patients regarding this medication,” researchers concluded. “Increasing training requirements in pharmacy schools and continuing education offers potential solutions to the lack of knowledge in the community pharmacy setting.”

—Jolynn Tumolo

Reference

Melaragni F, Levy C, Pedrazzi J, Andersen M. Assessing pharmacists' readiness to dispense naloxone and counsel on responding to opioid overdoses [published online April 14, 2019]. J Am Pharm Assoc.