Individuals
at high risk
Individuals who would benefit from
having knowledge of naloxone and the
signs of overdose include those who:
• Abuse prescription opioids or
heroin
• Have required emergency care for
opioid overdose
• Are enrolled in opioid dependence
treatments programs, particularly
at high-risk periods such as
induction and discharge
• Have a history of opioid abuse or
dependence who are being released
from prison
• Are receiving prescription opioid
therapy with risk factors for
adverse effects
-C
o-prescriptions of
benzodiazepines or other
sedatives
-Ongoing alcohol use
-H
igh dose prescription opioid
therapy
• Are switching to another opioid
• Have chronic pulmonary disease
• Have ashthma
• Have sleep apnea
• Have chronic kidney and/or liver
impairment
• Live with or are in frequent contact
with those listed above
Naloxone kits are now available without need for a
prescription.
may be used in opioid overdose situations to provide
extra time to seek emergency medical attention to
treat the overdose. Because naloxone is short-acting,
all patients who receive it in response to an overdose
must be taken to hospital immediately.
Dr. Leece also suggests that doctors speak to their
patients about telling friends and family members
what an opioid overdose looks like and how to respond. “The problem,” she said, “is that family members may have no idea that their loved one is overdosing.” Parents, struggling to revive their teenage
son, for example, may remember that he had seemed
exceptionally drowsy when they last saw him, but it
had not raised a red flag.
A discussion about the symptoms of an overdose
and emergency response could prevent such tragedies, she said. Even if naloxone is not available,
others present should call 911 and give emergency
first aid and CPR.
Because it is a Schedule II drug, the distribution of
naloxone will still require the intervention of a pharmacist. Those seeking to obtain naloxone will require
training from a pharmacist on how to properly
administer the drug and ensure appropriate medical
attention is given in follow-up. Alternatively, many
public health units also provide overdose education
and naloxone.
MD
20
Dialogue Issue 3, 2016