Naloxone – Availability of Intranasal Naloxone for Emergency Administration in the Event of Suspected Opioid Overdose
The aim of this service is to increase availability of naloxone for emergency use within local communities via the community pharmacy network. This will be an important contribution in the work to reduce in drug related deaths within NHS AA.
In 2021 a total of 1,330 individuals lost their life to a drug-related death within Scotland; with the majority of these deaths involving opioid drugs. Naloxone is a first aid intervention which can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid drugs, which, in an overdose situation can preserve life until an ambulance can arrive.
This Local Enhanced service allows for the holding of naloxone nasal sprays in community pharmacies so that they are available in the event of an emergency situation.