Opioid Stewardship & Naloxone
Since surveillance began in 2016, Canada has seen significantly elevated numbers of opioid-related deaths. There is also evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the opioid crisis, with jurisdictions reporting higher rates of fatal overdoses and related harms. Saskatchewan is among the provinces with the highest rates of opioid-related hospitalizations and mortality. Pharmacies have a key role in addressing this crisis through opioid stewardship practices and naloxone distribution.
Accessing Naloxone
In Saskatchewan, naloxone is available without a prescription and may be purchased from pharmacies. The PAS Naloxone Registry lists Saskatchewan pharmacies currently selling naloxone.
Naloxone is also available without charge to the public through provincial and federal government programs:
Saskatchewan Take Home Naloxone Program
Saskatchewan residents who are at risk of an opioid overdose and/or might witness an opioid overdose, such as friends and family of people who use opioids, are eligible for publicly funded training and a covered Take Home Naloxone kit. The training covers overdose prevention, recognition and response, including how to administer naloxone. Kits and training are available at pharmacies, clinics, and other sites.
Take Home Naloxone Program Locations
Sign-up Form to Register your Pharmacy as a Take Home Naloxone Program Location
Take Home Naloxone Program Fee Policy
Take Home Naloxone Program Fee Claims Procedure
Take Home Naloxone Program Training Manual
Federal Coverage for Clients with Non-Insured Health Benefits
The federal government provides full coverage of naloxone for individuals with NIHB. Pharmacies that stock naloxone for patient access are listed on the PAS Naloxone Registry. Pharmacies may dispense the following using NIHB coverage:
- Naloxone 0.4mg/mL one mL injection
- Naloxone 1mg/mL one or two mL injection
- Naloxone injection kits
- Naloxone nasal spray
- Naloxone nasal spray kits
Education and Support
A variety of national and provincial organizations have resources available for pharmacists regarding opioid stewardship and harm reduction. These include professional development, patient education, and clinical management resources.
Creating a Safe Space in Pharmacy to Address Opioid Use and Harm Reduction
Toward the Heart BCCDC Harm Reduction Services
Language Matters: Create a Safer Space with Less Stigma
CATIE
Indigenous-Centered Approaches to Harm Reduction and Hepatitis C Programs
BC First Nations Health Authority
Indigenous Harm Reduction Principles and Practices
Professional Practice Resources
Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA)
Practice Development Resources: Opioid Stewardship
University of Waterloo
Naloxone and Opioid Resources
Video Tutorial: Naloxone Made Easy
Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)
Non-Drug Ways to Manage Chronic Pain
Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP)
Opioid Stewardship Resources
Patient Education Resources
University of Waterloo
Injectable Naloxone Patient Infographic
Intranasal Naloxone Patient Infographic
Health Canada
Opioid Overdose Wallet Card
University of Toronto: Faculty of Medicine
Navigating Opioids for Chronic Pain Infographic
Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP)
Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone) for Opioid Use Disorder: Your Questions Answered
Methadone for Opioid Use Disorder: Your Questions Answered
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Making the Choice, Making it Work: Treatment for Opioid Addiction