What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication which is used to temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose of opioid drugs. There is no other use for naloxone.
Naloxone temporarily blocks opioids from binding to the receptors in the brain and body, thereby restoring breathing and preventing brain damage and death. In Middlesex-London, naloxone will be given by means of an injection into the arm or thigh muscle. A second dose of naloxone may be necessary within three to five minutes if the overdose is not reversed within that time frame. During an overdose, other life-saving measures are also very important, such as performing basic life support and calling 911. Emergency medical care is critical as the effects of the naloxone wear off in about 30 to 90 minutes and overdose symptoms may return.
How will naloxone get to the people who need it?
Through The Naloxone Program, people who are at risk of opioid overdose will be trained to administer naloxone. Our hope is that people who use substances in peer group situations will have a trained naloxone administrator in the group who can administer the medication should it be required.
Similar overdose prevention programs in place in Ontario, and around the world, provide training in basic lifesaving skills and naloxone administration within peer groups. Once trained, individuals are given a pocket-sized overdose prevention kit which includes two doses of naloxone.
Where to get naloxone kits?
Check the list of pharmacies, community organizations and provincial correctional facilities where you can get kits and training on how to use them.
Overdose Treatment Myths
- DO NOT put the person in a bath BECAUSE they could drown
- DO NOT induce vomiting BECAUSE they could choke
- DO NOT inject them with anything (saltwater, cocaine, milk) other than naloxone BECAUSE this will not help and it may cause more harm
How do I get trained?
If you are an individual at risk of opioid overdose, or currently using opioids, and are interested in being trained to save a life, please call the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection at 519-434-1601 and ask to speak to someone about The Naloxone Program.
Training Schedule:
- Middlesex-London Health Unit
355 Wellington St., London (inside Citi Plaza)
Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM
- Carepoint
446 York St., London
Monday to Sunday, 8:30AM to 9:00PM
Additional Information
