Environmental Scan of Injectable Naltrexone Services in Wisconsin: Implications for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
by Jason S. Chladek, PhD, PharmD, MPH, Michelle A. Chui, PharmD, PhD
Abstract:
Introduction: In Wisconsin, opioid use disorder (OUD) is highly prevalent among individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are a key component in OUD treatment and especially important for individuals as they transition out of correctional facilities and back into the community. However, few formerly incarcerated individuals have access to MOUD upon community reentry. Community pharmacists are a promising resource for treating these patients, specifically by administering injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol®, Alkermes), an effective and highly accepted treatment option. However, community pharmacist-administered injectable naltrexone for formerly incarcerated individuals has not been comprehensively explored. As a first step, this study aimed to assess the availability of injectable naltrexone services in Wisconsin, including those in community pharmacies.
Methods: An environmental scan was conducted via vivitrol.com and a structured Google search to identify injectable naltrexone providers, and sites were mapped to Wisconsin. Supplemental services provided by community pharmacies were collected via review of the organizations’ websites.
Results: The scan identified non-pharmacy sites that prescribe and administer injectable naltrexone (n=66), non-pharmacy sites that only prescribe injectable naltrexone (n=5), and community pharmacies that administer injectable naltrexone (n=28). Sites were concentrated in southeastern Wisconsin.
Conclusions: The scan highlights the importance of increasing injectable naltrexone services in Wisconsin, especially for formerly incarcerated individuals. Community pharmacies are a promising resource for filling this gap, specifically due to their accessibility and the introduction of provider status. Pharmacists can help ensure that formerly incarcerated individuals have access to necessary MOUD and can thrive upon reentry.
Keywords: Naltrexone, Injectable, OUD, Community Pharmacy, Public Health, Incarceration, Opioid Epidemic
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2025 March/April Table of Contents
Abstract:
Introduction: In Wisconsin, opioid use disorder (OUD) is highly prevalent among individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are a key component in OUD treatment and especially important for individuals as they transition out of correctional facilities and back into the community. However, few formerly incarcerated individuals have access to MOUD upon community reentry. Community pharmacists are a promising resource for treating these patients, specifically by administering injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol®, Alkermes), an effective and highly accepted treatment option. However, community pharmacist-administered injectable naltrexone for formerly incarcerated individuals has not been comprehensively explored. As a first step, this study aimed to assess the availability of injectable naltrexone services in Wisconsin, including those in community pharmacies.
Methods: An environmental scan was conducted via vivitrol.com and a structured Google search to identify injectable naltrexone providers, and sites were mapped to Wisconsin. Supplemental services provided by community pharmacies were collected via review of the organizations’ websites.
Results: The scan identified non-pharmacy sites that prescribe and administer injectable naltrexone (n=66), non-pharmacy sites that only prescribe injectable naltrexone (n=5), and community pharmacies that administer injectable naltrexone (n=28). Sites were concentrated in southeastern Wisconsin.
Conclusions: The scan highlights the importance of increasing injectable naltrexone services in Wisconsin, especially for formerly incarcerated individuals. Community pharmacies are a promising resource for filling this gap, specifically due to their accessibility and the introduction of provider status. Pharmacists can help ensure that formerly incarcerated individuals have access to necessary MOUD and can thrive upon reentry.
Keywords: Naltrexone, Injectable, OUD, Community Pharmacy, Public Health, Incarceration, Opioid Epidemic
Download PDF
2025 March/April Table of Contents