Pharmacy Access to Sterile Injection Supplies for People Who Inject Drugs

Drug-related overdoses continue to garner much needed attention in the US. Overdoses are, however, just 1 of many public health issues stemming from substance use. Often less visible, although no less concerning, is the role that injection drugs play in spreading infectious diseases. Millions of people in the US have injected drugs during their lifetime,¹ and for people who inject drugs, sterile syringes and needles are often unavailable. By expanding over-the-counter access to sterile injection supplies, pharmacies can help reduce hardship and prevent infections and death. Sterile supplies are especially important now that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is likely exacerbating complications from substance use disorders and limiting the availability of care.