New Mexico has the second-highest rate of overdose deaths in the country, according to the CDC. Now, a life-saving drug called naloxone is not only available by prescription, the cost of it is covered through Medicaid.
When someone overdoses on opioids—like heroin, methadone, or prescription pain killers—the sooner naloxone is administered, the better the chances for survival. That’s why Dr. Michael Landen, an epidemiologist with the Department of Health, says people shouldn’t wait for an ambulance to arrive.
Regardless, an addict who narrowly avoids an overdose after receiving naloxone at home should still go to the hospital immediately.
Landen said naloxone is a safe drug, and some in the medical field are encouraging the FDA to consider making it available over-the-counter, though that hasn’t happened yet: “It really should be available to anybody and their family members or friends that uses heroin or is on high-dose prescription opioids.”
Naloxone is also known by its brand name Narcan, and the medication is sprayed into the nose. It’s the same stuff emergency responders and hospital staffers use to reverse an overdose.
Both doctors and pharmacists can prescribe it to addicts, family members and friends.
Naloxone rescue kits are available in New Mexico at:
Santa Fe: Nambe Drug (70 Cities of Gold, 87506)
Roswell: Primm Drug (700 N Union, 88201)
Roswell: Farmers Uptown Pharmacy (2800 North Main Street, 88201)
Carlsbad: Advanced Medication Pharmacy (2402 W Pierce, Suite 2B, 88220)
Albuquerque: Highland Pharmacy (717 Encino Pl NE, 87102)
