Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo: Independent pharmacies can sell Narcan

Independent pharmacies can now sell naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of opioids, without a prescription, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Wednesday.

The treatment, known commercially as Narcan, is delivered through an injection or nasal spray.

It temporarily blocks the effects of opioids such as heroin, allowing the recipient to regain consciousness.

“Heroin addiction has taken the lives of far too many New Yorkers, but today we are taking an important step forward in battling this epidemic,” Cuomo said in a statement. “By making this lifesaving medication available in drugstores without a prescription, we are continuing to prevent needless tragedies from occurring and ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to this critical medication.”

This latest development builds on the governor’s earlier plan: In January, the Health Department approved more than 480 CVS pharmacies throughout the state as registered opioid overdose programs, enabling their pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription.

Since then, more than 460 Walgreens and Duane Reade pharmacies statewide have received the same designation.

Some 750 independent pharmacies throughout New York will be affected by this latest move. Many of these small businesses serve communities that might not have the larger chains.

“I applaud this latest expansion of access to naloxone, and encourage all New Yorkers to take the opportunity to learn how to administer this lifesaving medication,” Arlene González-Sánchez, commissioner of the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, said in a statement. “You never know when you may have the opportunity to save a life and give those suffering from addiction the opportunity to be connected to treatment so that they can begin a path toward recovery.”

Though it is often administered by first responders, including police and EMS workers, Naloxone can be used by laypeople with minimal training.

The treatment is regularly distributed across Long Island to those who attend short classes on its use.