Barriers in Obtaining a Naloxone Co-prescription for Patients Who Are Prescribed Opioids for Pain Management

As the prevalence of chronic pain rises, the number of patients prescribed opioids is increasing. Consequently, the rate of opioid overdose has increased, becoming a public health concern.For these reasons, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended co-prescribing naloxone, a medicine that reverses the effects of opioid overdose.While this medication can be lifesaving, it is not accessible or available to everyone in need of it. A systematic review of existing literature pertaining to the barriers in patients receiving naloxone was conducted to evaluate the major obstacles in patients receiving a naloxone co-prescription. The results show that the major deterrents include financial cost, geographic location, education, and stigma. Based on these findings, it is recommended that more trainings, information, and awareness should be distributed about naloxone to increase familiarity and decrease stigma in many communities.