Would you know what to do if someone collapsed from an opioid overdose? Quick action can save a life, and naloxone makes it possible for bystanders to step in until emergency services arrive.
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids. Within minutes, it can restore breathing and buy valuable time. It’s also very safe – if the person isn’t overdosing, giving naloxone won’t cause harm.
Why carrying naloxone matters
Opioid overdoses don’t just happen in back alleys. They can happen anywhere: on the street, at a gathering, even in someone’s home. Carrying naloxone means you’re prepared to act in those crucial first moments before paramedics arrive.
How to use a nasal naloxone kit
- Lay the person on their back and tilt their head slightly.
- Insert the spray nozzle into one nostril and press firmly.
- Call emergency services right away and stay with the person. If there’s no response within two to three minutes, give a second dose.
Where to get naloxone
Free take-home naloxone kits are available at SanoMed Pharmacy & Compounding Centre. Pharmacists can walk you through how to use the spray and answer questions. The pharmacy also provides safe needle disposal and methadone dispensing for those in opioid-replacement therapy.
Opioid overdoses affect entire communities, and being prepared to respond can make the difference between life and death. SanoMed Pharmacy can equip you with a free naloxone kit and the knowledge to use it, while the physicians at SanoMed Clinic are available to support ongoing health needs, provide treatment options, and connect individuals with care. Together, both sides of SanoMed are here to keep the community safer and stronger.