New Site Allows Ky. Residents To Find Overdose Antidote Easily
Visitors can get information on how to recognize and react to overdose, as well as overviews of state laws that relate to the epidemic. Meanwhile, New York's attorney general has announced that a drug maker has agreed to extend a price cut on naloxone and a Vermont nurse pleads guilty to using morphine intended for her patients.
Cincinnati Enquirer:
Need Naloxone In Ky.? Look Up Where To Find It Here
As the heroin epidemic rages on with other deadly opioids sneaking into the supply, Kentucky wants to link more people to the medication that can reverse an overdose. The state launched the website KyStopOverdoses.ky.gov on Wednesday, which allows people to search for pharmacies that carry naloxone by city, county, or ZIP code. Soon, the state will add health departments that offer the antidote to the searchable database and map. The drug naloxone, also known by its brand name Narcan, blocks the effects of heroin and opioids in the brain. (DeMio, 11/2)
The Associated Press:
Drug Maker Extends $6 Discount On Heroin Antidote In NY
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says a drug maker has agreed to extend a price cut for a heroin overdose antidote bought by hundreds of government agencies around the state. California-based Amphastar Pharmaceuticals will continue to offer a $6-per-dose rebate through January 2018 for naloxone, which can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. (11/3)
New Hampshire Union Leader:
Vt. Nurse Pleads Guilty To Taking Patient's Morphine
A Vermont woman who worked as a registered nurse at a New Hampshire hospital pleaded guilty Wednesday to using morphine intended for patients at the facility. Attorney General Joseph Foster announced Wednesday that Jennifer Oakley of East Corinth, Vt., pleaded guilty to a felony charge of possession of a controlled drug. Prosecutors said on Jan. 17, 2016, Oakley was working as a nurse at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville and caring for a patient. According to court paperwork, Oakley documented giving the patient 5 mg of morphine at 1:49 p.m., and logging the patient’s “pain is decreased” as of 2:20 p.m. that day. Oakley’s coworkers then reported seeing syringes in her jacket pocket, and urine samples were collected from both the patient and Oakley and tested for narcotics. (11/2)
