KEENE, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has approved a new opioid reversal medication.

In a news release last week NH DHHS announced statewide availability of Nalmefene. Much like Naloxone, widely known as Narcan, Nalmefene can be used to prevent opioid overdose deaths and reverse the effects of an overdose.

Individuals who would like to have Nalmefene on hand can get it at any local pharmacy, and it is available at no cost to New Hampshire Medicaid beneficiaries.

Also, like Naloxone, a standing order was issued to all pharmacies across the state to dispense Nalmefene to at risk individuals, their friends, family, or anyone else who may be able to assist someone experiencing an opioid overdose.

“Nalmefene is emerging as one more tool at our disposal as we work to prevent opioid overdose deaths,” said DHHS Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Ballard. “As we broaden the availability of Nalmefene and other opioid antagonist agents such as naloxone, people will have increased access to life-saving measures during an emergency.”

Five years ago, New Hampshire launched The Doorways, which is a hub and spoke system creating single points of entry in regions across the state for people seeking help with substance use disorder. Anyone in need of support for substance misuse such as screening, treatment, prevention, or peer recovery can connect with The Doorway by calling 211 or visiting thedoorway.nh.gov.

The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center is located at 24 Railroad Street in Keene.