It’s not always obvious as to who might be at risk of an accidental opioid poisoning

The articles and videos below may inspire you to incorporate small changes into your practice that can help make a difference in the Canadian opioid crisis.

Indications and clinical use: NARCAN^® NASAL SPRAY is a pure opioid antagonist indicated for emergency use to reverse known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or severe central nervous system depression.: NARCAN^® 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.

Do prescription opioids play a role in the crisis?

While prescription opioids offer benefits, they also come with some risks.² In fact, in Ontario, 53% of patients hospitalized due to opioid-related reasons had an active opioid prescription.⁹ As the most accessible healthcare professionals in Canada, you can help make a difference.¹⁹

The opioid crisis in communities

1/4

The opioid crisis is a complex issue; while illegal drugs have caused many of the opioid-related harms, prescription drugs have also contributed.² Despite patients intending to take their prescribed medication as instructed, there are a multitude of factors that can contribute to the risk of patients experiencing an overdose.⁸

Read now

Accidental opioid poisoning can happen to any of your patients taking opioids

2/4

Uncovering all the factors that could lead to opioid-induced respiratory depression is difficult which is why anyone using opioids may be at risk of having an accidental opioid poisoning.¹

Read now

Small changes can help make a difference

3/4

You have the power to help prepare patients in case of an accidental opioid poisoning. Think of take-home naloxone kits as a powerful tool in your toolbox, and explain to patients that it’s analogous to any other emergency device or technique.²⁰

Read now

Who is at risk of accidental opioid poisoning? It’s not always obvious

4/4

Typically, patient selection guidelines for take-home naloxone kits recommend using key risk factor criteria.^1-4 However, risk factor information isn’t always easy to acquire. Patients may not be fully forthcoming about their history, especially considering the stigma associated with opioid use.⁵

Read now

Next topic

Previous topic

Biases and Preconceived Ideas

Everyone has bias—including patients and pharmacists.^21,22 When it comes to opioid use, we may already have pre-conceived notions about the type of people who are at risk of opioid poisoning.^7,20,23 This can have an impact on our conversations.²² Here are some ways to break-free from bias and tackle stigma.

Is the opioid stigma affecting your practice?

1/4

As a pharmacist, you may have seen the impact of the opioid crisis firsthand. By acknowledging the social stigma associated with opioid use, and giving patients a positive experience at the pharmacy, you can help make a real difference.¹

Watch now

There are many types of opioids. But risk is still risk.

2/4

Patients taking fentanyl or fentanyl analogues may be at an increased risk, but patients taking medications containing codeine, on its own or in combination (e.g., acetaminophen/codeine tablets), may also be at risk for an accidental opioid poisoning.^24,25

Read now

The length of opioid use may be different. But risk is still risk.

3/4

Whether opioids are prescribed to treat chronic or acute pain, there are still risks associated with each treatment plan.^3,26 Despite best efforts in educating and counselling patients on opioid use, accidents may still occur.

Read now

Let’s talk about prescription opioids: Starting the conversation with your patients

4/4

Communication is key! Keep in mind that some people may have been influenced by the negative connotations that media coverage has given to opioid use.⁷ Remind your patients that anyone using opioids may be at risk of having an accidental opioid poisoning.¹

Read now

Next topic

Previous topic

Changing the Conversation Around Opioids

There are a few key words that come to mind when thinking about opioids: “overdose”, “accident”, “epidemic”, “addiction”, “death”. When talking to patients, your role as a pharmacist is to find a balance between the benefits and risks of prescription opioids, and to help keep the conversation positive.

Liam is a patient who was injured at work and has been suffering from chronic back pain

1/4

How do you communicate with patients who may be uncomfortable having a conversation about naloxone over the counter and who may have already been taking opioids without naloxone?

Watch now

Beatrice is an elderly patient with multiple chronic conditions, including arthritic pain.

2/4

How do you communicate with elderly patients (and/or their caregivers) who may be apprehensive about taking an opioid?

Watch now

Adrian is a young adult taking opioids for the first time following a sports injury.

3/4

How do you communicate with patients who may not be aware of the risks of the medication they are using?

Watch now

Felix is a patient recovering from a history of opioid use disorder who visits the pharmacy daily for a methadone 15mg treatment.

4/4

How do you communicate with a patient who may be uncomfortable and feel judged when offered naloxone?

Watch now

Next topic

Previous topic

Resources For Your Team

Here are some resources you may find helpful.

Consumer Patient Brochure

NARCAN^® Instruction Sheet

National Consensus Guidelines

Ontario Pharmacy Operations Blueprint

Quebec Pharmacy Operations Blueprint

Always offer a take-home naloxone kit–available as either a nasal spray, like NARCAN^® Nasal Spray, or an injection–to any patient receiving an opioid prescription.^1,3

Safety information¹⁰

Indications and clinical use:
NARCAN^® NASAL SPRAY is a pure opioid antagonist indicated for emergency use to reverse known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or severe central nervous system depression.

NARCAN^® 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.

Contraindications:
Patients who are hypersensitive to this drug or to any ingredient in the formulation or component of the container.

Serious warnings and precautions:

Call 911: Emergency medical assistance (calling 911) should be requested immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before using naloxone.
Continued surveillance: Individuals with a satisfactory response to an initial dose of naloxone should be kept under continued surveillance.
Aggressive reactions: Caregivers administering naloxone should be prepared to act in response to or assist the patient in cases of potential adverse reactions such as aggressive reactions, convulsions and vomiting. Special attention is warranted if naloxone is administered to a neonate or a pregnant woman.

Other relevant warnings and precautions:

In opioid dependent people, naloxone may trigger an acute opioid withdrawal syndrome; this may be life-threatening in opioid dependent neonates
Preterm labour or fetal distress in opioid dependent pregnant women
Rebound opioid toxicity, including respiratory depression, following the temporary reversal of the opioid overdose
Ineffective against respiratory depression due to non-opioid drugs
Cardiovascular risks including rare cases of cardiac arrest, tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation
Post-operative considerations including hypotension, hypertension, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, dyspnea, pulmonary edema and rare cases of cardiac arrest. Death, coma, and encephalopathy have been reported as sequelae of these events
Convulsions or seizures
Irritability and aggressive behaviour
Gastrointestinal reactions including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps
Use in nursing women has not been established
Higher systemic exposure in geriatrics

For more information:
Please consult the product monograph at narcannasalspray.ca/pdf/NARCAN%C2%AE-Nasal-Spray-product-monograph-Mar%2005-2021-red-plunger.pdf for important information relating to contraindications, adverse reactions, drug interactions, patient selection and dosing information.

The product monograph is also available by calling 1-844-898-0657.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can NARCAN^® Nasal Spray be used on pregnant women?: NARCAN^® Nasal Spray should only be used in pregnant women when clearly needed.¹⁰

Giving NARCAN^® Nasal Spray to anyone who is physically dependent on opioids may induce an acute opioid withdrawal syndrome causing a reaction such as becoming aggressive, shaking and/or vomiting. You will need to pay special attention when giving NARCAN^® Nasal Spray to a pregnant woman because some of these reactions may cause preterm labour or can be life threatening to the fetus. Emergency medical assistance (calling 911) should be requested immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering NARCAN^® Nasal Spray.¹⁰

Please see the product monograph and patient information for a full list of warnings and precautions:

For health care professionals:
Product monograph (2021-03-05: device with red plunger)(Open in a new window)

For patients:
Patient information (Open in a new window)
Can NARCAN^® Nasal Spray be used on a child?: Yes, it can, but there are a few considerations:

Newborns:
You may need to help the person who received NARCAN^® Nasal Spray. The patient may have a reaction such as becoming aggressive, shaking and/or vomiting. You will need to pay special attention when giving NARCAN^® Nasal Spray to a newborn who is less than four weeks old or a pregnant woman. Some of these reactions can be life-threatening for a newborn or a fetus. Emergency medical assistance (calling 911) should be requested immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering NARCAN^® Nasal Spray.¹⁰

The pharmacist may recommend using an alternate form of naloxone in newborns or children under two years old. This is because smaller doses can be given with the injectable form of naloxone.¹⁰

Children:
When administering NARCAN^® Nasal Spray in young children, the nozzle of the device may not fit inside the child’s nostril. In this case, make sure that the device nozzle forms a seal with the nostril before giving NARCAN^® Nasal Spray.¹⁰

Please see the product monograph and patient information for a full list of warnings and precautions:

For health care professionals:
Product monograph (2021-03-05: device with red plunger)(Open in a new window)

For patients:
Patient information (Open in a new window)
Can NARCAN^® Nasal Spray be used past its expiration date?: NARCAN^® Nasal Spray should be used before the expiration date on the box. However, if only expired NARCAN^® Nasal Spray is available in an overdose situation, it should be used.¹⁰
What are the withdrawal symptoms that occur when you use NARCAN^® Nasal Spray? What should you be prepared for?: NARCAN^® Nasal Spray should be administered with caution to patients who are known or suspected to be physically dependent on opioids. In such cases, an abrupt reversal of opioid effects may precipitate an acute opioid withdrawal syndrome. The severity of such a syndrome will depend on the degree of physical dependence, the dose and potency of the opioid that induced the overdose, and the dose of naloxone administered.¹⁰

The signs and symptoms of an acute opioid withdrawal syndrome include, but are not limited to: body aches, pain, fever/pyrexia, sweating/hyperhidrosis, runny nose, sneezing, piloerection, yawning, weakness, asthenia, shivering, chills, tremor/trembling, convulsions/seizures, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, aggressive behavior, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, increased blood pressure, and tachycardia. In the dependent neonate, signs also include excessive crying as well as hyperactive reflexes and the acute withdrawal may be life-threatening if not recognized and properly treated.¹⁰

Emergency medical assistance (i.e., calling 911) should be requested immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected. Monitor the patient for the development of the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Caregivers administering naloxone to any patient should always be prepared for potential reactions associated with acute opioid withdrawal syndrome and to assist the patient to minimize harm when experiencing these reactions. For example, a patient should be positioned in lateral decubitus to prevent choking if vomiting occurs; sharp or dangerous objects should be moved away in case of convulsions to protect the patient from injury, but the patient should not be restrained.¹⁰
How does reimbursement work? Can you give it to someone without ID?: NARCAN^® Nasal Spray is available at pharmacies in Ontario as part of the Ontario Naloxone Program for Pharmacies (ONPP), and in Quebec as part of the Program for Free Access to Naloxone and Certain Related Supplies implemented by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux.^11,12

NARCAN^® Nasal Spray is also available for Veteran Affairs Canada clients, Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program clients, and First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) clients in British Columbia.^13-15

Patients can request NARCAN^® Nasal Spray without providing a prescription or an ID, helping them protect their privacy.¹⁶
In Ontario, for anonymous patients or those without an Ontario health card, use the following information:¹¹
First and last name: HARM REDUCTION
Gender: blank
DOB: 20000101
Proxy patient ID: 89999 999 91
In Quebec, a health card may not be required to receive it; it can be supplied anonymously, especially in case of emergency.^12,17
Do you need to call 911 if using NARCAN^® Nasal Spray?: Yes, NARCAN^® Nasal Spray can be administered 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 NARCAN^® Nasal Spray.¹⁰
How much time between doses does there need to be?: Multiple doses of NARCAN^® Nasal Spray may be required until emergency medical assistance becomes available.¹⁰

If the patient responds to the first dose of NARCAN^® Nasal Spray but relapses back into respiratory depression before emergency assistance arrives, administer repeated doses of NARCAN^® Nasal Spray as necessary. If the patient does not respond to the first dose of NARCAN^® Nasal Spray after 2-3 minutes, administer repeated doses using alternate nostril as necessary.¹⁰
How do you order NARCAN^® Nasal Spray kits?: Orders for NARCAN^® Nasal Spray can be made by calling Emergent BioSolutions Canada Inc. at 1-844-898-0657 or by emailing customerservicecanada@ebsi.com.
How many NARCAN^® Nasal Spray kits can you hand out to a person?: In Ontario, up to two NARCAN^® Nasal Spray kits can be given to a patient at a time.¹¹ In Quebec, up to four NARCAN^® Nasal Spray kits can be given to a patient at a time.¹⁸
Is one dose of NARCAN^® Nasal Spray sufficient to reverse an opioid overdose?: Not always, some patients may need multiple doses. The requirement for repeat doses of NARCAN^® Nasal Spray depends upon the amount, type, and route of administration of the opioid being antagonized.¹⁰

If the patient does not respond within 2-3 minutes to the first dose of NARCAN^® Nasal Spray, administer an additional dose of naloxone every 2-3 minutes (if additional doses are available), using a new NARCAN^® Nasal Spray device for each dose using alternate nostril, until the desired response is obtained.¹⁰

References: 1. Tsuyuki R et al. Canadian national consensus guidelines for naloxone prescribing by pharmacists. Canadian Pharmacists Journal. 2020;153(6):347-351. 2. Government of Canada. Canada’s Opioid Crisis. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/hc-sc/documents/services/publications/healthy-living/canada-opioid-crisis.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 3. Ontario Pharmacists Association. Pharmacist clinical tool for initiating naloxone discussions. Available at: https://opatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/Practice/Tools/Naloxone/Pharmacist-Clinical-Tool-for-Initiating-Naloxone-Discussions.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 4. Government of Quebec. Risks of opioid overdose. Available at: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/advice-and-prevention/alcohol-drugs-gambling/risks-of-opioid-use(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 5. Dowell D, Haegerich TM, Chou R. CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain—United States, 2016. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2016;65(1):1-50. 6. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. U.S. surgeon general’s advisory on naloxone and opioid overdose. Available at: https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/opioids-and-addiction/naloxone-advisory/index.html(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 7. Dassieu L, Heino A, Develay É, et al. “They think you’re trying to get the drug”: Qualitative investigation of chronic pain patients’ health care experiences during the opioid overdose epidemic in Canada. Canadian Journal of Pain. 2021;5(1):66-80. 8. Government of Canada. Opioid overdose. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/problematic-prescription-drug-use/opioids/overdose.html(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 9. Gomes, T et al. Comparing the contribution of prescribed opioids to opioid-related hospitalizations across Canada: A multi-jurisdictional cross-sectional study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2018;191:86-90. 10. NARCAN^® Nasal Spray Product Monograph. Emergent BioSolutions Canada Ltd. March 5, 2021. 11. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care: Ontario Public Drug Programs. Funding of Naloxone Nasal Spray through the ONPP and Updates to the Existing Program. 2018. Available at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/opdp_eo/notices/exec_office_20180321.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 12. Quebec: Régie de l’assurance maladie. Programme de gratuité du médicament naloxone et de certaines fournitures. 2017. Available at: https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/professionnels/infolettres/2017/info235-7.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 13. Government of Canada. Naloxone Nasal Spray now available to First Nations and Inuit through Non-Insured Health Benefits program. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/news/2018/04/naloxone-nasal-spray-now-available-to-first-nations-and-inuit-through-non-insured-health-benefits-program.html(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 14. Veteran Affairs Canada. NARCAN NASAL SPRAY 4MG/0.1ML. Available at: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/financial-support/medical-costs/treatment-benefits/poc10/search/form_detail/02458187(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 15. First Nations Health Authority. Nasal Naloxone Listed as a Health Benefit for First Nations in BC. Available at: https://www.fnha.ca/Documents/FNHA-Nasal-Naloxone-Fact-Sheet.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 16. Government of Canada. Naloxone. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/problematic-prescription-drug-use/opioids/naloxone.html(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 17. Quebec: Régie de l’assurance maladie. Instructions de facturation pour le remboursement du médicament naloxone et de certaines fournitures. 2017. Available at: https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/professionnels/infolettres/2017/info256-7.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 18. Quebec: Régie de l’assurance maladie. Ajout du vaporisateur nasal Narcan^MC et de certaines fournitures au Programme de gratuité du médicament naloxone et de certaines fournitures. 2018. Available at: https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/professionnels/infolettres/2018/info046-8.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed February 24, 2022. 19. Canadian Pharmacy Association. Pharmacy in Canada. Available at: http://www.pharmacists.ca/cpha-ca/assets/File/pharmacy-in-canada/Pharmacy%20in%20Canada.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 20. Antoniou T, Pritlove C, Shearer D, et al. A qualitative study of a publicly funded pharmacy-dispensed naloxone program. International Journal of Drug Policy. 2021;92:103146. 21. Steinhauser K. Everyone is a little bit biased. American Bar Association. Available at: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/publications/blt/2020/04/everyone-is-biased/(Open in a new window). Accessed August 3, 2021 22. FitzGerald C, Hurst S. Implicit bias in healthcare professionals: A systematic review. BMC Medical Ethics. 2017;18(1):19. 23. College of Pharmacists of British Columbia. A Message from Our Board Chair: Understanding How Stigma Can Impact Patient Care. March 23, 2018. Available at: https://www.bcpharmacists.org/readlinks/message-our-board-chair-understanding-how-stigma-can-impact-patient-care(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 24. Public Health Ontario. Opioid Mortality Surveillance Report: Analysis of Opioid-Related Deaths in Ontario July 2017–June 2018. June 2019. Available at: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/O/2019/opioid-mortality-surveillance-report.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 25. Healthline. Tylenol with Codeine Overdose. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/acetaminophen-and-codeine-overdose(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 26. Mayo Clinic. What are opioids and why are they dangerous? Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/expert-answers/what-are-opioids/faq-20381270(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021.

Distributed by Emergent BioSolutions Canada Inc. Mississauga, ON L5N 6M1

© 2022 Emergent BioSolutions Canada Inc.

Emergent BioSolutions, Emergent, NARCAN^® and any and all Emergent BioSolutions Inc. brands, products, services and feature names, logos and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of Emergent BioSolutions Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries.

Accidental opioid poisoning can happen to any of your patients taking opioids

Uncovering all the factors that could lead to opioid-induced respiratory depression is difficult which is why anyone using opioids may be at risk of having an accidental opioid poisoning.¹ There are several factors that can increase a person’s risk for an accidental opioid poisoning, even with proper prescription use, including:

Accidently taking too much^2,3
Issues such as forgetfulness, drowsiness, dementia, or other cognition problems can lead to patients accidentally taking too much of their prescription opioid.
Mixing opioids with alcohol²
Some patients may simply forget that they can’t mix their prescribed opioids with alcohol or other medications such as sedatives, putting them at risk for an accidental opioid poisoning.
Having other health issues²
Health issues such as hepatic, renal or lung disease may increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing an accidental opioid poisoning.
Splitting extended-release tablets^2,4
Patients may consider ways to make their prescription last longer, including breaking their pills in half. This can be especially dangerous when splitting extended-release tablets.
Improper storage^5,7
A study conducted in 2017 showed that only 11% of Canadian households with potentially harmful drugs keep them in a safe place. This can put young children at risk for unintentional opioid poisonings. Teens are also at risk, as opioids are the most recreationally used prescription drug by this age group. In Ontario, over 1 in 10 high school students (Grades 7-12) used an opioid recreationally at least once between 2018-2019. About half of these teens said they got them from their home.
Loss of tolerance^8,9
Some patients may not be aware that their opioid tolerance can decrease in as little as 2-3 days after stopping their treatment. For example, if a patient suddenly feels better, they may choose to interrupt their treatment for a few days, then start it again when the pain returns. However, stopping their therapy for only a few days may increase their chances of experiencing an overdose once they resume their opioid treatment.

While prescription opioids offer benefits, they also come with some risks.¹⁰ Counselling patients on the factors discussed above can help mitigate many of the risks associated with prescription opioids. However, uncovering all the factors that could lead to an accidental opioid poisoning can be difficult.¹ As an added safety precaution, provide a take-home naloxone kit–available as either a nasal spray, like NARCAN^® Nasal Spray, or an injection–to all patients receiving an opioid prescription.^1,8

References: 1. Tsuyuki R et al. Canadian national consensus guidelines for naloxone prescribing by pharmacists. Canadian Pharmacists Journal. 2020;153(6):347-351. 2. Government of Canada. Opioid overdose. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/problematic-prescription-drug-use/opioids/overdose.html(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 3. American Addiction Centers. Opioid epidemic coming for the elderly. Available at: https://drugabuse.com/opioids/prescription/elderly-opioid-epidemic/(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 4. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. Pill splitting: a review of clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and guidelines. Available at: https://cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/june-2015/RC0663%20Pill%20Splitting%20Final.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 5. Drug Free Kids Canada. Help your teens before they help themselves. Available at: https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/prevention/drug-info/prescription-drugs/(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 6. Finkelstein Y et al. Overdose risk in young children of women prescribed opioids. Pediatrics. 2017;139(3): e20162887. 7. Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. Drug use among Ontario Students. Available at: https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/pdf---osduhs/drugusereport_2019osduhs-pdf.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 8. Ontario Pharmacists Association. Pharmacist clinical tool for initiating naloxone discussions. Available at: https://opatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/Practice/Tools/Naloxone/Pharmacist-Clinical-Tool-for-Initiating-Naloxone-Discussions.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 9. Government of Canada. About Opioids. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/problematic-prescription-drug-use/opioids/about.html(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021. 10. Government of Canada. Canada’s Opioid Crisis. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/hc-sc/documents/services/publications/healthy-living/canada-opioid-crisis.pdf(Open in a new window). Accessed July 27, 2021.

PP-NAR4-CA-00087_11-2022 EN

It’s not always obvious as to who might be at risk of an accidental opioid poisoning

Do prescription opioids play a role in the crisis?

The opioid crisis in communities

Accidental opioid poisoning can happen to any of your patients taking opioids

Small changes can help make a difference

Who is at risk of accidental opioid poisoning? It’s not always obvious

Biases and Preconceived Ideas

Is the opioid stigma affecting your practice?

There are many types of opioids. But risk is still risk.

The length of opioid use may be different. But risk is still risk.

Let’s talk about prescription opioids: Starting the conversation with your patients

Changing the Conversation Around Opioids

Liam is a patient who was injured at work and has been suffering from chronic back pain

Beatrice is an elderly patient with multiple chronic conditions, including arthritic pain.

Adrian is a young adult taking opioids for the first time following a sports injury.

Felix is a patient recovering from a history of opioid use disorder who visits the pharmacy daily for a methadone 15mg treatment.

Resources For Your Team

Consumer Patient Brochure

NARCAN^® Instruction Sheet

National Consensus Guidelines

Ontario Pharmacy Operations Blueprint

Quebec Pharmacy Operations Blueprint

Frequently Asked Questions

Accidental opioid poisoning can happen to any of your patients taking opioids

Recommended Articles

You are about to leave NarcanNasalSpray.ca

It’s not always obvious as to who might be at risk of an accidental opioid poisoning

Do prescription opioids play a role in the crisis?

The opioid crisis in communities

Accidental opioid poisoning can happen to any of your patients taking opioids

Small changes can help make a difference

Who is at risk of accidental opioid poisoning? It’s not always obvious

Biases and Preconceived Ideas

Is the opioid stigma affecting your practice?

There are many types of opioids. But risk is still risk.

The length of opioid use may be different. But risk is still risk.

Let’s talk about prescription opioids: Starting the conversation with your patients

Changing the Conversation Around Opioids

Liam is a patient who was injured at work and has been suffering from chronic back pain

Beatrice is an elderly patient with multiple chronic conditions, including arthritic pain.

Adrian is a young adult taking opioids for the first time following a sports injury.

Felix is a patient recovering from a history of opioid use disorder who visits the pharmacy daily for a methadone 15mg treatment.

Resources For Your Team

Consumer Patient Brochure

NARCAN® Instruction Sheet

National Consensus Guidelines

Ontario Pharmacy Operations Blueprint

Quebec Pharmacy Operations Blueprint

Frequently Asked Questions

Accidental opioid poisoning can happen to any of your patients taking opioids

Recommended Articles

You are about to leave NarcanNasalSpray.ca

NARCAN^® Instruction Sheet