Naloxone is a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses, and be administered by lay people, saving the lives of people who are at risk of drug related death. It is recommended that all people on Opiate Replacement Therapy (ORT) or using other opiates are given a supply. It can also be supplied to relatives, friends and carers of people who are at risk of overdose.
In Primary Care Naloxone can be issued on a standard prescription or supplied from a stock order. Some pharmacies supply it directly. (It can also be supplied without a prescription or PGD in specific drug treatment services e.g. those providing injecting equipment or ORT).
Naloxone is available in two forms – an intramuscular injection (Prenoxad) and an intranasal spray (Nyxoid). Both should be prescribed by brand name to ensure the correct kit and staff are required to have training if they provide it.
NHS Lothian’s Harm Reduction team’s internet page on Take Home Naloxone outlines:
- Pharmacies which supply the kit
- Training requirements and how to access those
- More details about the drug itself and the prescribing programme
There are also tips about prescribing, and a training check list on the Take Home Naloxone Resources Intranet page.
Further information can also be obtained from:
- NHS Lothian’s Harm Reduction Team (who also run Training for trainers) – ssc.trainer@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
- The Primary Care Facilitator Team – loth.pcftlothian@nhs.scot.
C.M & J.C. 03-12-24