MILWAUKEE — An overdose-reversing drug, Narcan will soon be available for purchase over the counter rather than through a prescription. 

Hayat Pharmacy President and CEO Dr. Hashim Zaibak said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval is a milestone.

“Milwaukee is like any other big city,” said Zaibak. “We’re having a crisis when it comes to overdose and people of dying of overdose.” 

He said Narcan is a nasal spray, works quickly and can save someone who has overdosed. 

Currently Narcan is only available through a prescription. Zaibak has noticed purchasing Narcan can be stigmatizing to patients. 

“People usually don’t want their name put on a box like this,” said Zaibak. “We even have situations where people have prescriptions for oxycodone or hydrocodone, and we tell them, 'Do you want to get one of those Narcans?' and they say, 'I don’t want it because of that stigma.' I’m hoping [now] that it’s available over the counter, we’ll be able to remove that stigma.” 

He’s expecting it to hit the pharmacy shelves in the next few months.

“I’ve heard people concerned about this encouraging more drug use because the antidote is available,” said Zaibak. “Data doesn’t support this. A lot of clinical studies have shown that just because the narcan is available it’s not going to encourage somebody to use the medication.” 

Zaibak said he feels better knowing this medication can prevent an overdose. He said they’re helping the community by treating someone with substance abuse disorder.