Hy-Vee sells naloxone at Iowa pharmacies

Grocery store chain Hy-Vee has started offering doses of naloxone at its pharmacies in Iowa and in three other Midwestern states.

The West Des Moines-based retailer announced Wednesday its pharmacies in Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota and Wisconsin now have the drug and will provide it without a prescription.

Naloxone is used to temporarily reduce the effects of an overdose from the use of opioids. When given, the drug slows the respiratory system, letting individuals breathe more easily as medical attention is sought.

The drug does not cure an overdose but can be given to individuals who have overdosed on heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine and codeine, Hy-Vee said.

Iowa officials have worked in recent years to make it easier to find the drug in the state. Last year, state lawmakers passed legislation that would better equip first responders with naloxone and, in November, Gov. Terry Branstad approved state pharmacies to provide the drug.

Hy-Vee's pharmacies will offer naloxone as a nasal spray and in an injection form. Pharmacists will tell customers how to properly administer the drug.

The Iowa Department of Public Health also has information on how to administer the drug available at https://idph.iowa.gov/mat/overdose.

Sixty-seven Iowans died from opioid overdoses in 2016, up from 28 in 2005, according to the department.

l Comments: (319) 398-8366; matthew.patane@thegazette.com