Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Heroin OD Antidote Naloxone Will Be Available Without Prescriptions At Duane Reades, Walgreens Across NYC
By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 1, 2016
Modified Feb 1, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Getty Images
By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 1, 2016
Modified Feb 1, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
To further combat the epidemic of heroin overdoses, the city has announced that the life-saving anti-overdose drug, Naloxone, will be made available at 300 Duane Reade and Walgreens stores—without a prescription. Mayor Bill de Blasio said, "Opioid overdose is preventable - yet it continues to claim hundreds of lives in our city. By making naloxone even more widely available we are literally saving lives and helping New Yorkers onto the path to recovery."
Pharmaceutical companies have been giving New York State a rebate on the drug in attempt to make it more accessible. Police officers started carrying Naloxone in 2014 and successfully deployed it to save addicts. Last December, Naloxone became available at most Rite Aid and CVS pharmacies with a prescription, but the inclusion of Duane Reade and Walgreens increases the availability.
According to a press release, the drug will also be sold at Walgreens locations in NY State: "With this new commitment from Duane Reade, Walgreen Co., New Yorkers can walk into any of more than 650 participating pharmacies to purchase naloxone and potentially save a life. For anyone who is unable to afford the insurance co-pay or the cost of naloxone, naloxone may be accessed free of charge at community-based opioid overdose prevention programs."
City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said, "The benefits outweigh the risks and by increasing its availability beyond emergency rooms we can help prevent fatal overdoes by treating them immediately."
Tagged
duane reade
heroin
heroin overdose
naloxone
opioid overdose
walgreens
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NJ Transit riders face 5 weeks of schedule disruptions starting Sunday
NJ Transit and Amtrak riders should prepare for cancellations, schedule changes and longer commutes as work continues on the new Portal North Bridge.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET
For a Democrat in a traditionally red NJ district, how to woo Republican voters
The first-time Democrat says it’s still “a toss-up race” between her and incumbent GOP Rep. Tom Kean.
By
Mike Hayes
News
For a Democrat in a traditionally red NJ district, how to woo Republican voters
The first-time Democrat says it’s still “a toss-up race” between her and incumbent GOP Rep. Tom Kean.
By
Mike Hayes
2 pedestrians killed in Bronx crash after driver ran red light, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Ann Givens
Rain could put a damper on NYC’s long weekend. Here’s when it will clear.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Holy civics! NYC schools' own comic books in the spotlight at Comic Con
By
Jessica Gould
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .