In November 2016, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care announced that the Ontario Naloxone Program delivered by Public Health Units across the province would be switching from injectable Naloxone to the nasal spray Naloxone. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is given to someone who may be having an overdose from drugs known as opioids, this includes but is not limited to morphine, Dilaudid and Fentanyl. The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit’s Revive program plans to start giving out the nasal spray Naloxone in early March.
Nasal spray Naloxone (Narcan) has one major advantage over the current injectable form of Naloxone being given out by both the Health Unit and some local pharmacies. The nasal spray will be much easier for the people to learn how to use and much quicker and simpler to give to someone having an overdose. By simply placing the device into one nostril and pressing up on the device, the drug is quickly given. The Health Unit hopes that this simpler device, and the less invasive way to give it, will further increase the number of people in our communities that are getting trained to give this life saving drug.
To find out more information about the nasal spray Narcan (Naloxone) and the Revive program or any other Harm Reduction programs offered at the Health Unit, please call 1-880-660-5853 or visit www.healthunit.org. You can get important updates on the opioid crisis by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter at LGLhealthunit.