The aim of the Scottish Drug Death Taskforce, as published in their report in 2022, is for Scotland to have the most extensive naloxone network anywhere in the world. The ambition is that anyone who may come into contact with a person experiencing an opiate-based overdose should have access to, and have been trained on how to use, naloxone.
Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid drugs like codeine, morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, heroin, methadone and buprenorphine. Most overdoses involve multiple substances. The “Drug-Related Deaths in Scotland 2023 report” highlights that opioids are implicated in 80% of drug-related deaths in Scotland so, when the signs of an opiate overdose are identified, it is always better to intervene with naloxone.
There are two naloxone services currently available in community pharmacies:
A table distinguishing each service can be found here.
The only naloxone kits that should be issued when providing either of these services are Prenoxad (intramuscular injection), Nyxoid or Naloxone 1.26mg (nasal sprays), as shown below.
HIS Case study -Reducing Harm in Communities
Health Improvement Scotland conducted a case study on the naloxone services provided by community pharmacies in Fife. The report, which can be accessed below, highlights the collaborative work in 2024 with NHS Fife, Addiction Services, With You and the community pharmacies of Fife.
