When to use naloxone and how to get a kit

Naloxone is a widely available medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It has been a vital tool in combatting the toxic drug crisis since B.C. launched the Take Home Naloxone program in 2012. Learn more: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/stories...

Anyone using unregulated drugs is at risk of a toxic drug poisoning. If there is a chance you may witness or experience a toxic drug poisoning, you can get a free naloxone kit to carry with you. Many pharmacies provide them, as do health centres and community agencies. You do not need a prescription, and you do not need to provide your name. https://towardtheheart.com/naloxone

Naloxone is safe to use on all ages.

If you suspect an overdose, always call 911 for help even if the person starts breathing again, as an overdose is an emergency.

The effects of a dose of naloxone typically last between 30 and 120 minutes. Stay with the person and monitor their breathing until medical help has arrived.

Naloxone cannot reverse an overdose from non-opioid drugs like benzodiazepines or/and tranquillizers. But it can be hard to know what someone has taken, especially since street drugs are often cut with other substances.

If you’re not sure what someone has taken, you can still use naloxone. It will not harm them. A person may not become conscious after naloxone is administered, especially when a benzodiazepine and/or tranquillizer is also present. In these cases, focus on breathing as the most important part of the response. And always call 911.

Learn more about overdose and naloxone
Take Home Naloxone Program: https://towardtheheart.com/naloxone
How to Respond to an Opioid Poisoning: https://towardtheheart.com/assets/upl...
Overdose? Don't Wait: https://respondtooverdose.gov.bc.ca/
SAVE ME Steps to save a life (2025) on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/1071181030/2629dd688a
Naloxone Fact Sheet (Health Canada): https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canad...

#opioidoverdose #opioid #opioidcrisis #opioidepidemic #interiorhealth #ih #overdose #naloxone #opiates #opiate #fentanyl #fentanylcrisis #fentanylawareness #harmreduction