The HSE has confirmed that the drug will be available on prescription from the end of this week<span style=”font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;”><span> </span></span> as part of an initiative aimed at reducing drug-related deaths and near-fatal drug poisonings.
Naloxone is an antidote used to reverse the effects of opioid drugs like heroin, morphine and methadone if someone overdoses.
The HSE is currently undertaking a demonstration project to assess and evaluate the suitability and impact of using a prefilled Naloxone injection. The project involves 600 opiate users receiving take-home naloxone on prescription.
“This project could make an enormous difference when it comes to reducing drug-related deaths,” said Minister Varadkar.
“Research shows that providing increased access to naloxone for people likely to witness an overdose, such as the family, case workers and friends of a drug user, is an effective way of reducing overdose deaths.
“I want to thank all those involved, including the families of the drug users and the voluntary and statutory addiction services, who have worked together to get this important initiative off the ground.”
