Naloxone is available without prescription in Canada
In 2016, naloxone was removed from the federal Prescription Drug List, and the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities reclassified the drug as Schedule II, meaning pharmacists can dispense it without prescription.1,2 It is available in commercial formulations, including intranasal preparations, as well as in locally prepared take-home naloxone kits, available from some pharmacies, clinics, emergency departments and community health centres.
Most take-home naloxone kits contain similar equipment
Most take-home naloxone kits will contain two ampules of naloxone (0.4 mg per vial), two safety-engineered syringes, two ampule-opening devices, alcohol swabs, nonlatex gloves and a rescue breathing barrier. The average cost for a take-home naloxone kit is $35. However, many sites offer them free of charge.1
Multiple doses of naloxone may be required for overdoses related to high-potency opioids
In overdoses related to fentanyl, carfentanil and other synthetic opioids, multiple doses may be required to restore respiration. Most take-home naloxone kits include two doses, and additional doses can safely be administered every two to five minutes if there is no response.3 Naloxone should be used in conjunction with basic life support principles, such as rescue breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and calling 911.
Take-home naloxone kits may reduce overdose-related mortality
Although there are limited data on this relatively new intervention, a systematic review published in 2016 looked at 22 observational studies in North America, Europe and Australia, and found that take-home naloxone programs led to improved survival rates among program participants.4
Take-home naloxone kits are not only for patients with current opioid abuse
Other at-risk populations include individuals who are on methadone or on high doses of prescription opioids, or who frequently use recreational drugs. Health practitioners can suggest take-home naloxone to family members and friends of at-risk individuals.5 Education and counselling regarding opioid use and abuse is an essential part of the distribution of take-home naloxone.
Footnotes
CMAJ Podcasts: author interview at https://soundcloud.com/cmajpodcasts/170600-five
Competing interests: None declared.
This article has been peer reviewed.
Contributors: Both authors contributed to the conception of the work and reviewed all drafts and revisions. Both authors give final approval of the version to be published and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
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- Take-home naloxone kits are not only for patients with current opioid abuse
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