Availability of suboxone films and naloxone nasal spray in pharmacies in Cook County, IL
Session Number
Project ID: BHVSO 08
Advisor(s)
Dr. Emma Childs; The University of Illinois at Chicago, The HAPPY Lab
Discipline
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Start Date
19-4-2023 10:50 AM
End Date
19-4-2023 11:05 AM
Abstract
In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been significant waves of opioid overdose deaths due to the disruption to daily life that has impacted individuals susceptible to substance abuse. The US has taken action in combating the rise in opioid overdose deaths by improving access to life- saving medications: Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) and NARCAN (naloxone) nasal spray effectively reduce overdose deaths. However, studies have reported significant barriers to accessing these medications at the local level i.e., at pharmacies. To date, no studies have investigated the Chicago area. This study assesses the availability of suboxone and Narcan at pharmacies in Cook County. We determine what neighborhood-level factors predict the availability of these medications and if neighborhood overdose rates are associated with the availability of these medications at local pharmacies. We conducted phone calls to local pharmacies and inquired about their availability of both the brand and generic versions of Suboxone films. We also inquired about the availability of naloxone. Our hypothesis was that Suboxone and Narcan nasal spray will be unavailable in many community pharmacies, representing an undue burden for patients at a dangerous moment in their recovery.
Availability of suboxone films and naloxone nasal spray in pharmacies in Cook County, IL
In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been significant waves of opioid overdose deaths due to the disruption to daily life that has impacted individuals susceptible to substance abuse. The US has taken action in combating the rise in opioid overdose deaths by improving access to life- saving medications: Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) and NARCAN (naloxone) nasal spray effectively reduce overdose deaths. However, studies have reported significant barriers to accessing these medications at the local level i.e., at pharmacies. To date, no studies have investigated the Chicago area. This study assesses the availability of suboxone and Narcan at pharmacies in Cook County. We determine what neighborhood-level factors predict the availability of these medications and if neighborhood overdose rates are associated with the availability of these medications at local pharmacies. We conducted phone calls to local pharmacies and inquired about their availability of both the brand and generic versions of Suboxone films. We also inquired about the availability of naloxone. Our hypothesis was that Suboxone and Narcan nasal spray will be unavailable in many community pharmacies, representing an undue burden for patients at a dangerous moment in their recovery.