Health & Wellness

Naloxone saves lives

January 30, 2023
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.

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