Get a naloxone kit

How naloxone works

Naloxone is a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids such as heroin, morphine, fentanyl, carfentanil, and codeine. Opioids are most often prescribed for pain relief. However, in recent years, highly-toxic synthetic opioids are being made in illegal labs and sold on the streets, often mixed with other drugs.

Administer naloxone

Naloxone is available without a prescription and often given as an injection into an arm, buttocks, or muscle. Naloxone will only work on opioid-related overdoses, though it will not cause harm if a person hasn’t taken opioids. Naloxone should be given to an unresponsive person. 

• Learn the signs of an overdose
• Toward the Heart: Naloxone Quick-Learn
• Toward the Heart: How to Use Naloxone Video
• BC Pharmacists: Naloxone Brochure (PDF)
• Naloxone Training Online

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Take Home Naloxone program

B.C. has a Take Home Naloxone program in place to reduce the harm and deaths associated with opioid overdoses. The program provides training in overdose prevention, recognition, and first aid response.

Program eligibility

You are eligible for the Take Home Naloxone program if you:

• Have a history of using substances particularly heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine
• Are likely to witness and respond to an overdose (not including health care professionals or clinics for staff use on patients)
• Are First Nations’ and living in B.C. The First Nations Health Authority’s First Nations Health Benefits plan will cover the cost of injectable and nasal spray forms of naloxone

If you're eligible, you can receive a naloxone kit at no cost, as well as overdose prevention and response training, at any program site. Visit the Toward the Heart site locator or call 8-1-1 anytime day or night to find a site near you.

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Naloxone risk assessment for organizations

Organizations can use this assessment tool when considering whether staff should carry or stock naloxone in the event employees, clients, or members of the public experience an overdose.

• Assessment tool for non-public sector organizations (PDF)
• Assessment tool for public sector organizations (PDF)

Event organizers

Organizers should assess the risk of overdose for people attending major planned events. Use this fact sheet (PDF) for help taking proactive measures that prevent and reduce overdose harms.