Province makes naloxone available to public without pharmacist involvement

Saskatchewan is following the lead of B.C. and Alberta by becoming the third province in Canada to unschedule the life-saving medication naloxone.

Naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, will now be more widely available in Saskatchewan after an administrative bylaw change made by the province’s College of Pharmacy Professionals.

Naloxone was previously listed as a Schedule II Drug, meaning it was only available from a pharmacist. It was kept behind the counter to ensure pharmacists provided individuals with training on how to administer the drug before purchasing a kit.

The change now allows naloxone to be issued without involvement of a pharmacist and in locations other than pharmacies, making it easier for individuals to access take-home naloxone (THN) kits and for community-based organizations (CBOs) who work with individuals at risk of an opioid overdose to distribute kits to their clients.

“We want to ensure naloxone is available where and when it is needed without barriers,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said in a news release. “This change allows our CBOs to play a key role in getting THN kits into the hands of individuals at risk.”

The Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority will work with key CBOs to provide THN kits in the coming weeks.

The THN program is available through the Saskatchewan Health Authority in 17 communities across the province, including Saskatoon, Regina, North Battleford, Kamsack, Yorkton, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Estevan, Kindersley, Buffalo Narrows, Swift Current, Melfort, Nipawin, Tisdale and Meadow Lake.

The THN program expanded to the community of Meadow Lake earlier this month and is expected to launch in Lloydminster in the coming days.

It is important to note that even after naloxone is administered, further medical treatment is required. Call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected.