Both pharmaceutical (e.g. oxycodone, fentanyl) and non-pharmaceutical opioids (e.g. heroin) can cause several side effects. Respiratory failure is a serious side effect of opioid use, where a person may lose consciousness and stop breathing, which can result in death. This may be referred to as an ‘opioid adverse reaction’ or ‘opioid overdose’ and can happen even when someone uses opioid medicines at their prescribed dose.

Naloxone is a medicine available in a nasal spray or intramuscular injection and is used as an emergency rescue first aid measure to rapidly reverse the effects of opioids.

The Take Home Naloxone program provides Approved Suppliers (community pharmacies, hospital-based pharmacies and approved medical practitioners) and Authorised Alternative Suppliers the ability to provide naloxone free of charge, without a prescription to people who are at risk of, or who may witness an opioid overdose or severe reaction.

For Pharmacists

This online course aims to provide pharmacists with greater awareness of the Take Home Naloxone (THN) Program.

The Take Home Naloxone program provides Approved Suppliers (community pharmacies, hospital-based pharmacies and approved medical practitioners) and Authorised Alternative Suppliers the ability to provide naloxone free of charge, without a prescription to people who are at risk of, or who may witness an opioid overdose or severe reaction.

For Authorised Alternative Suppliers

This online course aims to provide Authorised Alternative Suppliers with greater awareness of the Take Home Naloxone (THN) Program.

The Take Home Naloxone program provides Approved Suppliers (community pharmacies, hospital-based pharmacies and approved medical practitioners) and Authorised Alternative Suppliers the ability to provide naloxone free of charge, without a prescription to people who are at risk of, or who may witness an opioid overdose or severe reaction.