Walgreens stocks overdose-reversing nasal spray at all pharmacies

The company's more than 8,000 pharmacies will have the brand-name naloxone available for the general public. The FDA-approved spray can be used to reverse the effects of opioid drugs, which include some prescription painkillers and heroin.

“By stocking Narcan in all our pharmacies, we are making it easier for families and caregivers to help their loved ones by having it on hand in case it is needed,” said Rick Gates, Walgreens group vice president of pharmacy. “As a pharmacy, we are committed to making Narcan more accessible in the communities we serve.”

The medication is $135 for a two-dose pack.

Walgreens now offers naloxone without requiring a prescription in 45 states, including North Carolina, but Jeffrey Hammerstein, assistant chief of Wake County EMS, said the medication should be used as a tool, not a cure.

"Readily available is a good thing, but we have to keep in mind, it's a tool. It's a thing that we can use in certain circumstances. It's not a cure for anything," he said.

Hammerstein said those who have loved ones who are at risk should definitely consider having the medication on hand.

"If you've got family members or loved ones that you know are at high risk for an opioid overdose, I think it makes sense to have it," he said.

But the real goal is here to make sure it doesn't have to get to that point.

"The more that you know, about how these overdoses progress, then the more preventative you can be," Hammerstein said.