Health & Wellness

Naloxone saves lives

Dr. Carol Fenton, Medical Health Officer, Interior Health

Naloxone is a widely available medication that can reverse an opioid overdose temporarily. It has been a vital tool in combatting the toxic drug crisis since B.C. launched the Take Home Naloxone program in 2012.

Anyone using street 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.

Naloxone is very safe. It does not get you “high” and does not cause dependence.

“Naloxone is a really important life-saving tool for me to have when I’m out in the community. I encourage everyone to get Naloxone training and either have a kit or know where there is one nearby. You could save a life!” says Dr. Carol Fenton, a medical health officer with Interior Health. 

How Naloxone works

Naloxone binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, essentially bumping the opioid off the receptor and restoring normal function (and breath!) 

Naloxone usually takes effect in three to five minutes. If the first dose doesn’t restore normal breathing an additional dose may be needed.

How to use Naloxone

Know the signs of a drug poisoning/overdose. If you suspect an overdose, check if the person is breathing. If they are not breathing, dial 9-1-1 and start rescue breaths, and then give Naloxone.

Always call 9-1-1 for help.  

Monitor the person until paramedics arrive. After the Naloxone wears off the opioid may still be present and breathing may slow again, so it’s important to stay with the person until medical help has arrived.

The effects of Naloxone typically last between 20 – 90 minutes.

Naloxone cannot reverse an overdose from non-opioid drugs like benzodiazepines. It can be hard to know what someone has taken, especially since street drugs are often cut with other substances. If you are not sure what someone has taken, you can still use Naloxone - it will not harm them.

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

View All Stories

7 Minute Read
Community & Culture
Volunteers bring kindness, comfort to the people we serve

Thousands of volunteers of all ages work alongside our staff across our region. Read how volunteers are making a difference in delivering outstanding care.

/stories/volunteers-bring-kindness-comfort-people-we-serve

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture
Breastfeeding toolkit helps cities support inclusive spaces

IH’s Healthy Community Development team worked with student nurses to help local governments make breastfeeding more supported and welcomed in communities.

/stories/breastfeeding-toolkit-helps-cities-support-inclusive-spaces

4 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
How to talk to teens about drugs and other substances

Talking to your teens about drugs shows you care they make safe choices—it doesn't encourage drug use. Here's how to have talks with an open heart and mind.

/stories/how-talk-teens-about-drugs-and-other-substances

2 Minute Read
Community & Culture
We are IH: Coordinator motivated to help long-term care clients

Cottonwoods Care Centre coordinator Lia Sambrielaz has been sharing small acts of kindness at IH for 37 years.

/stories/we-are-ih-coordinator-motivated-help-long-term-care-clients

5 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
Let’s talk about Advance Care Planning: Your Voice, Your Choice

Our 9-part video series teaches about the purpose and importance of advance care planning (ACP) and why it gives peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

/stories/lets-talk-about-advance-care-planning-your-voice-your-choice

2 Minute Read
Community & Culture
Funding helps Williams Lake Métis community support food security

A funding initiative is helping the Cariboo Chilcotin Métis Association (CCMA) grow food security in ways that reflect knowledge, culture and community needs.

/stories/funding-helps-williams-lake-metis-community-support-food-security

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.

Sign up today
mail