Walgreens is going to start selling the heroin antidote called naloxone, also known as Narcan. The chain announced that the antidote will be available without a prescription in at least 35 states, including Massachusetts.

Carl Alves, director of PAACA, calls the news fantastic and necessary. "If your child was allergic to bee stings, you'd be sure to have an epi-pen. Well, if your child or you are allergic to narcotics, you really need to have naloxone," said Alves.

Naloxone is available through injection or nasal spray, and aims to reverse the effects of heroin. Alves adds while the move may reduce dependency on first responders for the drug, it may be wise to seek help even if people have the drug on-hand. "Naloxone works for a period of time. After the naloxone wears off, you might still go back into an overdose situation. So people that are using it need to understand that, and really should get medical treatment when this occurs."

Walgreens also announced Tuesday that it will be installing medication disposal kiosks in at least 39 states and Washington, D.C. The changes will take place by the end of 2016.

Some local Walgreens stores are already carrying over-the-counter naloxone.

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