Naloxone
Free kits available at Rexall
Help save a life by adding Naloxone to your first-aid essentials.
Get a free Naloxone kit and administration training from your pharmacist. No prescription required.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system, and temporarily reverses and blocks the effects of an opioid overdose.
What are the contents of a Naloxone kit?
A Naloxone kit from Rexall is a portable pouch that contains an injectable device with medication to prevent and reverse an opioid overdose. Instructions on how to use the contents of the kit, gloves, and a breather barrier are also included for safe use.
Why have a Naloxone emergency kit?
Having Naloxone in your first-aid kit can be a life saving tool in the event of an opioid overdose. Opioid poisoning can happen to anyone, and is often accidental. A kit will prepare you to quickly respond and provide immediate help to your family, neighbours, or members of your community. By keeping a Naloxone kit accessible, you can help temporarily reverse the negative effects of an opioid overdose.
How to use Naloxone
Naloxone can be used by anyone to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose until medical help arrives. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 before administering Naloxone. Naloxone is not a substitute for emergency medical care.
- Carefully read and follow the instructions provided within the kit
- Lay the person on their back
- Administer the medication and move the person on their side (recovery position)
- Naloxone can begin to take effect as quickly as 2 to 3 minutes after a single dosage has been given. The recommended Naloxone dosage amounts and timing in-between dosages is laid out within the kit to help guide at-home use.
- Monitor them until emergency medical help arrives.
For more details on how to use the Naloxone kit and its contents, please speak with your pharmacist.
Harm Reduction Resources
How to identify an opioid overdose
Common signs of opioid poisoning include:
- Pale and clammy skin
- Extreme drowsiness or passing out
- Not responding to shouting, shaking of shoulders or firmly rubbing middle of chest
- Slowed or no heartbeat
- Pinpoint-sized pupils (the dark centre of the eye)
- Breathing that is very slow, irregular or has stopped.
If you are unsure of what opioid poisoning looks like or are concerned about potential side effects of naloxone, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your pharmacist.
What are the side effects of Naloxone?
Common side effects of Naloxone includes:
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle spasms
- Nasal congestion (nasal spray only)
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Swelling or dryness in the nose (nasal spray only)
If you are concerned about potential side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your pharmacist.
How do I dispose of my used or expired naloxone kit?
Learn MoreAll Rexall Pharmacies offer a complimentary year-round Medication Take Back service for Naloxone kits and other medications. The Rexall Medication Take Back service encourages customers to drop off old, expired, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and natural health products at any Rexall Pharmacy for safe disposal. All naloxone kits and medication returns are accepted, even if they are not from a Rexall pharmacy.
Transfer your prescription to Rexall.
Transfer your prescriptions online, through the Be Well App, or by visiting your Rexall Pharmacy in person.
Be prepared with a first-aid kit
We have ready-to-use first aid kits suitable for your car, home, cottage, boat, or workplace. We also offer first aid and safety supplies essential for a DIY first aid kit if you're putting your own together. Whichever way you choose to be prepared, your pharmacist can help you be prepared for minor medical injuries at-home and on the go.
Frequently asked questions
What is in a Naloxone kit?
A Naloxone kit is a portable pouch that contains an injectable device, instructions, gloves and a breather barrier.
Where can I get a Naloxone kit?
You can get a Naloxone kit at Rexall from your pharmacist (select locations).
Do I need to show ID or provincial health card to get a Naloxone kit?
No, an ID or provincial health card is not required to get a free Naloxone kit from your pharmacist.
What is the cost of a Naloxone kit?
A Naloxone kit from Rexall is free of charge.
How long do Naloxone kits last for?
Naloxone kits typically last for two to three years. The exact expiration date will be printed on the specific device or packaging in your kit.
Sources
Opioid deaths can be preventable.
Get a free Naloxone kit and administration training from your pharmacist.