Opioid Overdose

Opioid Overdose

In Manitoba, overdose from all drugs is a growing public health concern. Opioid drugs, such as fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, codeine and heroin, are of particular concern because they can cause respiratory depression, which may lead to death.

Fentanyl is a very strong opioid drug that is associated with opioid overdose. Its emergence in the drug market is a particular concern because it may be added to other street drugs, such as cocaine and crystal methamphetamine.

Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living have a number of resources and programs aimed at reducing illness and death associated with overdose. This includes the Take-Home Naloxone program.

Naloxone kits

Naloxone is an antidote to opioid overdose. During an overdose, it can be injected into a muscle. This can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid drugs. Naloxone has no effect on drugs that are not opioids.

People who are at risk of opioid overdose may access free take-home-naloxone kits and get overdose recognition and response at participating distribution sites. These sites can be found on the interactive map at the Street Connections website at http://streetconnections.ca/content.php?navigation_id=2294

Please contact the distribution sites directly for operating hours and details of service.

Naloxone kits and overdose recognition and response training is available for purchase at a number of community pharmacies. You can find a list of these pharmacies at the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba website: cphm.ca

The Street Connections website has links to helpful videos demonstrating overdose recognition and response, including the administration of naloxone. View these videos at: streetconnections.ca/content.php?navigation_id=2294