Naloxone is an important drug that works to temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.
Pharmacy professionals are reminded that the College has published guidance on dispensing naloxone. Pharmacists may only dispense naloxone in accordance with the Standards of Practice. They are expected to counsel each patient or agent when dispensing naloxone in order to enable the patient to receive the intended benefit of the drug therapy. Review the College’s Guidance on Dispensing or Selling Naloxone.
Naloxone is available as a Schedule II drug. Pharmacy professionals who are providing naloxone should comply with the requirements for dispensing Schedule II drugs. Review the Pharmacy Connection article Keeping Current with Drug Schedule Changes.
Members of the public are reminded that naloxone kits should only be obtained from authorized providers, such as pharmacies and community-based organizations. Visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Get Naloxone Kits webpage for a list of locations.