By paNOW

Take Home Naloxone kits to be more readily available

May 16, 2018 | 3:00 PM

A lifesaving drug will soon be easier to access.

The Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Physicians made administrative bylaw changes, which will make Naloxone, a drug used to combat opioid overdoses, more available to the public.

Naloxone was previously only available from a pharmacist. The administrative changes make it possible for naloxone to be issued without a pharmacist, and in locations other than a pharmacy.

“We want to ensure naloxone is more readily available where and when it is needed without barriers,” Saskatchewan Health Minister Jim Reiter said in a prepared statement. “This change allows our community based organizations to play a key role in getting [take home naloxone] kits into the hands of individuals at risk.”

Naloxone was previously only available behind the counter, in order to ensure pharmacists provided individuals with training on how to administer the drug before kits were purchased.

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The statement issued by the Ministry of Health stated the government would work with the provincial health authority and community based organizations to provide naloxone kits available.

The take home naloxone kits are available in 17 communities including Prince Albert, North Battleford, Melfort, Nipawin, Tisdale and Meadow Lake. The program is expected to launch in Lloydminster in the coming days.

“We feel this will further improve access for the people of Saskatchewan to obtain lifesaving take home naloxone kits and help prevent further deaths due to overdoses,” Sask. College of Pharmacy Professionals Registrar Jeana Wendel said.

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow