Naloxone

ib naloxone 1

Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid poisoning caused by opioid drugs and other drugs contaminated with opioids. Nasal spray naloxone is safe and can be easily administrated as a spray into the nose.

Opioids include morphine, codeine, oxycodone (e.g., Percocet), hydromorphone (e.g., Dilaudid), heroin, and fentanyl. The risk of opioid poisoning is greatest when using opioids from the unregulated street drug supply or other drugs that could contain opioids. Naloxone will not work for non-opioid drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), or alcohol. However, the illegal drug supply is unregulated and unpredictable. Many drugs in this area (including non-opioid drugs like cocaine) are being cut with powerful opioids like fentanyl.

Anyone who takes an illegal drug is at risk of opioid poisoning. Naloxone should be given any time opioid poisoning is suspected, even if the person took a different drug.

  • Don’t use alone. Naloxone saves lives, but someone has to be there to give it and call 911. Alternatives to using alone include:
  • Using with someone you trust; stagger use if all are using.
  • Using a supervised consumption service:
    • In person – Consumption and Treatment Services, 661 Montreal Street, Kingston
    • Virtually – Call the National Overdose Prevention Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS (6677) before using.

Always call 911

  • Once the naloxone wears off, the poisoning could return.
  • The person may need more naloxone than you have.
  • The person may need follow-up care and support.
  • It may not be an opioid poisoning and the person may require different care.
  • The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection against simple drug possession related charges for anyone involved in an opioid poisoning when 911 is called.

It is recommended that anyone using any illegal drug or who takes prescription opioids have a naloxone kit. Friends and family members of people at risk should get kits and be trained on how to detect an opioid overdose and administer naloxone. Recognizing opioid poisoning signs, calling 911, and administering naloxone quickly can prevent injury and death.

This demonstration video was developed by the Ontario Harm Reduction Network with support from the Provincial System Support Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Learn more about overdose response with naloxone on the Ontario Harm Reduction Network website.

  • Make sure to store naloxone at room temperature and keep it out of direct sunlight.
  • Don’t leave it in your car or other places where it may be exposed to extreme cold or heat.
  • Do not let naloxone freeze. It cannot be used when frozen. Nasal spray naloxone can be used after thawing for about 15 minutes at room temperature. If needed in an emergency, do not wait for it to thaw. Seek emergency help immediately.
  • Exchange your kit for a new one when it gets close to the expiry date.
  • Dispose of expired kits at a pharmacy.
  • Keep naloxone out of reach of children and pets.

Where can I get a naloxone kit?

Naloxone and training are available for free across Ontario through the Ontario Naloxone Program and the Ontario Naloxone Program for Pharmacies. No health card is required.

Eligible individuals include:

  • Individuals at risk of opioid poisoning
  • Friends and family of someone at risk
  • Anyone else who may be able to respond to a suspected opioid poisoning other than through their work or volunteering.

Get your free naloxone and training at:

  • Local pharmacies
  • Southeast Public Health offices in:
    • Almonte
    • Belleville
    • Brockville
    • Cloyne – self-serve
    • North Hastings (Bancroft) – self-serve
    • Kemptville
    • Kingston – self-serve
    • Napanee – self-serve
    • Quinte West (Trenton)
    • Smiths Falls

Many community organizations in the southeast region have enrolled as Ontario Naloxone Program sites. They can provide naloxone and training to their eligible clients. Contact your local public health office for locations or more information.

Naloxone for use in the line of work is not available through the community-based Ontario Naloxone Program or the Ontario Naloxone Program for Pharmacies.

While Southeast Public Health cannot supply naloxone kits for workplace use, we may be able to offer naloxone training for staff and volunteers.

Businesses or other organizations may be able to purchase workplace naloxone through local pharmacies, pharmaceutical suppliers, or the manufacturer of Narcan®.

For more information on naloxone in the workplace you can visit the government of Ontario website.

Police and fire services and St John Ambulance branches in Ontario are eligible to receive naloxone for use in responding to suspected opioid poisonings. These agencies can register to access free nasal spray naloxone through their local public health office.

Already enrolled? Contact Southeast Public Health if you:

  • Have questions relating to your naloxone order or report
  • Need to provide information on changes that may impact delivery of naloxone to your site or staff contact updates
  • Would like to arrange refresher training or training for new staff

Through the Ontario Naloxone Program (ONP), eligible organizations in the Southeast Public Health area can work with Southeast Public Health to get free naloxone kits to offer to their eligible clients. Please note: Southeast Public Health cannot provide naloxone for use in the workplace other than for ONP-enrolled fire and police services and St. John Ambulance.

Eligibility requirements

Eligible organizations include AIDS service organizations, Community Health Centres, outreach organizations, shelters, and withdrawal management programs, and other organizations or programs that can help fill a gap in naloxone access. Organizations must:

  • Work directly with people who use drugs through harm reduction, outreach, or determinants of health programming and services.
  • Be able to safely store naloxone and have the necessary staff and capacity to support naloxone distribution.
  • Enter into a service agreement with Southeast Public Health.
  • Submit regular reports on the number of naloxone kits distributed and people trained.
  • Provide kits and training only to eligible clients (clients who are at risk of opioid poisoning or a loved one of someone at risk).
  • Ensure staff involved in naloxone distribution have received training.

Southeast Public Health staff will work with you through the enrolment process and support you to ensure a smooth integration of naloxone distribution into your organization’s day-to-day activities. Flexible options are available for staff training.

Already a naloxone distribution site? Contact your Southeast Public Health office if you:

  • Have questions relating to your naloxone order or report
  • Need to provide information on changes that may impact delivery of naloxone to your site or staff contact updates
  • Would like to arrange refresher training or training for new staff