Naloxone Education Sessions

Naloxone is a lifesaving drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. It is currently listed as a Schedule I drug in British Columbia (only available by prescription).

Due to the recent spike in opioid-related overdoses and deaths, Health Canada and the College have made proposed amendments to the federal and provincial legislation; the College has proposed to make naloxone a Schedule II drug (available without a prescription and requires patient counselling). The proposed amendments are set to come into force in April 2016.

The drug schedule amendments to make naloxone a Schedule II drug are first and foremost about providing greater patient access to an essential drug.

Pharmacists are required to counsel and educate patients and/or patient representatives on Schedule II drugs. Counselling and patient education is especially critical for naloxone due to the pharmacokinetics of the drug and the dosage form (ampoule).

Naloxone Education Sessions

The College, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control, will be hosting educational sessions on naloxone. This voluntary, 1-hour education session has been submitted to UBC Continuing Pharmacy Education for review for Continuing Education Credits. The sessions are free of cost, and dinner will be provided.

Key points of the education session include opioid overdose recognition, drug administration, storage requirements, patient evaluation and aftercare, as well as safety and side effects.

Space is limited - register today through eServices > Events & Services to ensure your spot.

Naloxone education sessions will be available on the following dates:

(WEBINAR SESSION AVAILABLE)

The webinar is available on demand now:
April 5, 2016 - Webinar

*Waitlist