Dialogue Volume 12 Issue 3 2016 | Page 20

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