fred's Pharmacy Assists in the Fight Against Opioid Overdose by Offering Naloxone

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The leading cause of accidental death in the United States is drug overdose, and the driving force in this epidemic is addiction to opioids. fred's Pharmacy is joining the fight against this growing crisis by partnering with prescribers in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Tennessee. In these five states, Naloxone can be obtained without a doctor's office visit. The antidote, which can be used in the event of an opioid overdose to counteract the deadly effects, can be administered via nasal spray or injection.

"Research shows, if consumers are given access to life-saving countermeasures for known or suspected opioid overdoses, these events will decrease and lives will be saved," said Director of Clinical and Professional Services, fred's Pharmacy, Tonya Shackelford. "As a non-addictive antidote, Naloxone is easy to administer and is now easier to acquire for those in need."

The death rate from opioid overdose has increased 200 percent since 2000. This number continues to increase year over year for both men and women, particularly those between ages 25 and 44, with the bulk of these deaths occurring in the Southern part of the United States.

For more information on the Naloxone offering available at fred's, including side effects, interaction with other medications and how to use the medication, please contact your local fred's pharmacist.  If you suspect an opioid overdose has occurred, call 9-1-1 immediately.

About fred's Inc.
fred's Inc. and subsidiaries operate in 15 states in the southeastern United States with 304 full service pharmacy departments located within fred's stores, including four franchised locations.  Additionally, fred's Inc. has 57 Xpress pharmacy locations, three specialty pharmacy locations and more than 650 discount general merchandise stores chain-wide. With a unique store format and strategy, combining the best elements of a discount dollar store, drug store and mass merchant, fred's stocks more than 12,000 frequently purchased items addressing the daily needs of its customers. For more information about fred's, visit www.fredsinc.com.

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