Encourage high-risk patients
to obtain life-saving naloxone
photo: istockphoto.com
I
n response to the increase in opioidrelated overdoses, some pharmacies
in Ontario have started receiving
naloxone kits that can be provided to
members of the public without need for a
prescription and at no cost.
Given this new development, physicians
are urged to initiate a conversation about
risk of overdose with their patients on
opioid therapy and encourage patients who
may be at higher risk of overdose to obtain
naloxone and speak to their loved ones
about signs of an overdose.
“[The expanded availability of naloxone]
provides a great opportunity for doctors to
re-visit a discussion about overdose with
their patients – some of whom may not
have fully understood they are at risk,” said
Dr. Pamela Leece, a family physician in the
Substance Use Service at Women’s College
Hospital.
Patients and physicians can work together
along with families/loved ones to prevent
overdose by reducing known risks (e.g.,
opioid dose, other sedating medication,
alcohol use), to be aware of the signs of an
overdose if it occurs, and to emphasize the
need to call 911 immediately, whether or
not naloxone is on hand at the time.
Naloxone is a non-addictive opioid antagonist that temporarily reverses the dangerous effects of opiates, including respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension.
With prompt administration, naloxone
Issue 3, 2016 Dialogue
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