What you can do in the face of Canada’s opioid crisis…
Brought to you by Rexall
Opioid related deaths have rapidly increased across Canada. In a short 2 ½ year span from January 2016 to June 2018, there have been over 9,000 opioid related fatalities. The rapid rise in these numbers has a major impact on Canadians from coast to coast and you may find yourself asking what you can do if you or a loved one faces an opioid overdose. The best way to be prepared and potentially save a life is to recognize the signs of an overdose and knowing how to act quickly. Your Rexall Pharmacist can provide you with helpful information regarding opioid overdose and what you can do to help.
What is an opioid?
Opioid drugs are a class of medications used to treat pain resulting from different medical conditions. Opioids are available in many different forms like tablets, syrups, patches and suppositories. Some common opioids you may know of include:
-Fentanyl
-Morphine
-Codeine
-Oxycodone
Anyone using prescribed opioid medications or street opioids can overdose.
What are the signs of an overdose?
A person experiencing an opioid overdose can easily be identified experiencing symptoms such as:
-difficulty walking, talking and staying awake
-dizziness
-confusion
-slow, weak shallow breathing
-small pupils
-cold, clammy skin, blue lips or nails
It is important to act quickly when you think someone is experiencing an overdose. Contact 9-1-1 or emergency services immediately and if available, administer Naloxone to the affected person. Note that anyone, regardless of personal opioid use, is eligible to receive a Naloxone kit from any Rexall Pharmacy location along with the training required to administer it.
What is a Naloxone Kit?
Naloxone kits contain a medication called Naloxone (either as an injection or nasal spray) that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, allowing time for medical help to arrive. Rexall Pharmacists are trained to support anyone who is at risk of an overdose, as well as the people who care for them. Naloxone kits are available at pharmacies across Canada, including all Rexall Pharmacies. The Naloxone kit is an important tool to have access to and can be the difference between life or death for someone experiencing an opioid overdose. Always remember to contact 9-1-1 or emergency services before administering Naloxone.
As the country continues to experience a severe opioid crisis, learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and knowing how to use a Naloxone kit is paramount in saving lives. Speak with your Rexall Pharmacist or another trusted health care advisor to learn more about opioid overdose, where you can get a Naloxone kit and how you can help save a life.
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