Naloxone
Naloxone availability may be impacted by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For an up to date list of naloxone locations, and other harm reduction resources, please visit the United Way.
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse an overdose caused by opioid drugs and other drugs contaminated with opioids. It is easily administered by a spray into the nose. Common opioids include morphine, codeine, oxycodone (e.g., Percocet), hydromorphone (e.g., Dilaudid), heroin, and fentanyl. Naloxone will not work for non-opioid drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, gamma hydroxybutrate (GHB), or alcohol. However, many drugs in this area (including non-opioid drugs like cocaine) are being cut with powerful opioids like fentanyl putting anyone who takes any illicit drugs at risk of an opioid overdose.
It is recommended that anyone using illicit drugs or who is on long term opioids have a naloxone kit. Friends and families should be trained on how to detect an opioid overdose, call 9-1-1, and to administer naloxone. Recognizing overdose symptoms, calling 9-1-1, and administering naloxone quickly can prevent injury and death.
If you already have a naloxone kit, store it at room temperature and keep it out of direct sunlight. Exchange your kit for a new one when it gets close to the expiry date.
Where to get naloxone |
|
Free nasal spray naloxone kits are available at the following locations (no OHIP card is required): KFL&A Public HealthKingston office 221 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. contactless pick up. Napanee office99 Advance Avenue, Napanee Monday to Friday by appointment. Cloyne office14209 Highway 41, Cloyne Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1to 4:30 p.m. Sharbot Lake1130 Elizabeth Street, Sharbot Lake Local pharmaciesThere are a number of pharmacies in the KFL&A area that provide training and free take-home naloxone kits to people who use drugs, their families, and friends. Call the pharmacy ahead of time to ensure there are kits available at the specific location. No OHIP card is required. Community organizationsFree take-home nasal spray naloxone kits and training are available for clients of the following organizations (contact location for details):
Additional pick-up locationsFor additional naloxone pick-up locations, visit the Government of Ontario's naloxone webpage. |
5 Steps to respond to an opioid overdose
Always call 9-1-1
- Once the naloxone wears off, the overdose could return.
- The person may need more naloxone than you have on hand.
- The person may need follow up care and support.
- It may not be an opioid overdose and the person may require different care.
Step 1
Try to wake the person up. Shake their shoulders. Shout their name.
Step 2
Call 9-1-1 if they are unresponsive, or if you are unsure of their condition.
Step 3
Give naloxone (nasal spray). Make sure they are lying on their back, tilt their head back, and support their neck with your hand. Insert tip of nozzle into one nostril. Press plunger firmly.
Step 4
Perform rescue breathing, chest compression, or both if it is needed and you know how.
Step 5
Check if they are awake and breathing. If there is no improvement after 2 to 3 minutes, repeat steps 3 and 4. Give additional doses of naloxone 2 to 3 minutes apart until the person comes to or emergency medical help arrives.
Recovery position
If the person begins breathing on their own, or if you have to leave them on their own, put them in the recovery position, if possible.
Stay with them until medical help arrives. An overdose may return after the naloxone wears off - repeat steps to respond to an opioid overdose, as needed.
Resources:
- The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (video) - Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
- Public Service Announcement (video) - Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
- Overdose Prevention - Resources, Reports, and Initiatives - Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
- Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (wallet cards) - Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network