Rescuing a person from a possible opioid overdose

When a person is overdosing, their overall condition changes. They can stop reacting to their surroundings and lose consciousness.

If you suspect that someone is overdosing, give them naloxone quickly:

• Administer naloxone as a nasal spray (sprayed into the nose) (in French only)

Since the effects of naloxone last only a few minutes, there is a risk of a relapse of overdose symptoms. If the person starts overdosing again, give them another dose of naloxone using a new container. The intoxicated person must be taken to the hospital right away for observation and treatment.

Naloxone is an opioid-specific antidote. It temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose while being safe and harmless to health, regardless of whether the person to whom it is administered is intoxicated with opioids or not.

When someone is overdosing on opioids:

• Do not delay giving them the naloxone.
• Refrain from performing CPR if they are conscious.
• Don’t leave them alone.
• Don’t give them other drugs.
• Don’t make them take a cold bath or shower.
• Don’t hit them to try to make them regain consciousness.
• Don’t inject a saline solution into their veins.

Naloxone is available free of charge and without a prescription at any pharmacy and in some community organizations in Québec.

When a person wishes to purchase naloxone from a community pharmacy for potential use on a third party, they must inform the pharmacist so that the information can be properly noted in their file.

For naloxone in injectable form, ampoules and vials are provided with retractable needles and syringes, alcohol wipes and gloves.

To find pharmacies and community organizations near you that keeps naloxone in stock, visit the page Find a resource offering naloxone.

Naloxone should be stored in a cool, dark place until its expiration date. Avoid leaving it in the cold, as it may freeze.