Quebec Government makes NARCAN™ Nasal Spray free to anyone 14 years or older through Free naloxone program Français
MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Quebec Government announced it will be providing access to NARCAN™ Nasal Spray free of charge to all residents as part of its commitment to providing support in the opioid crisis.
As the opioid crisis continues to rise, increased access to naloxone, which aids in the emergency treatment of an opioid overdose, is key to fighting the crisis. Adapt Pharma's NARCAN™ (naloxone) Nasal Spray 4mg will now be accessible free of charge to all Quebec residents 14 years or older through local pharmacies, effective May 9 2018.
Dr. Marie-Eve Morin, family physician working in addiction and mental health at Clinique Caméléon, believes this is a positive step forward in combatting the opioid crisis, which is gaining momentum in Quebec.
"Making NARCAN™ Nasal Spray more widely accessible in Quebec is a significant action the province is taking to aid in this crisis," said Dr. Morin, Founder and Medical Director at Clinique Caméléon. "Naloxone should be accessible and available to anyone that could be presented with an emergency opioid situation, including those using opioids and their family, friends or anyone living with them. It should also be made available in public spaces, so anyone who is first on the scene of an overdose is equipped to help."
NARCAN™ Nasal Spray 4mg is the highest concentrated dose of naloxone currently available and is a needle-free nasal spray formulation of naloxone used for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. It does not require assembly or any specialized medical training.
Frédéric Normand, owner and Pharmacist at Normand and Gibeault pharmacy in North Montreal, has seen first-hand the need for wider availability of naloxone in the communities.
"Many Quebeckers and healthcare workers are concerned about the opioid crisis taking place in the province and have come into the pharmacy to learn more about naloxone and to equip themselves with opioid overdose reversing treatment," said Frédéric Normand. "I have many patients who have loved ones that have had overdoses lately. NARCAN™ Nasal Spray is easy to use and requires no assembly or training. It's great that now we can offer this option to our patrons, free of charge to them."
Pharmacies will be able to obtain NARCAN™ Nasal Spray from their regular distributors, and NARCAN™ Nasal Spray is available at major wholesalers in the Quebec market. Anyone 14 years of age or older can go to one of Quebec's 1,900 community pharmacies to access the free program. For further information on this, please visit the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Quebec.
ABOUT NARCAN™ (naloxone HCl) NASAL SPRAY1
Naloxone Hydrochloride Nasal Spray is a pure opioid antagonist indicated for emergency use outside of a hospital to reverse known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or severe central nervous system depression.
Naloxone Hydrochloride Nasal Spray can be administered by a bystander (non-health care professional) before emergency medical assistance becomes available, but it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Emergency medical assistance (calling 911) should be requested immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering naloxone.
Narcan Nasal Spray is available upon consultation with a pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the direction for use. The full product monograph for NARCAN™ Nasal Spray is available at http://www.narcan.com/pdf/NARCAN-Prescribing-Information.pdf
Adapt Pharma Canada Ltd. has established dedicated distribution channels that allow first responders, public health organizations, and individuals to readily access NARCAN™ Nasal Spray. Adapt Customer Support can be reached at 1-877-870-2726 or by e-mail [email protected].
Naloxone Hydrochloride Nasal Spray is available as 4 mg/0.1 mL single-dose sprayer, carton of 2 devices.
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SOURCE Adapt Pharma
or to arrange an interview, please contact: Chantal Morin, 514-632-6069, [email protected]
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