Pubdate: Sat, 25 Jul 2015
Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2015 The Lethbridge Herald
Contact:  http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239
Author: Helen Branswell
Page: B1

HEALTH CANADA REVIEWING NALOXONE STATUS

PROVINCES WANT EASIER ACCESS TO OVERDOSE ANTIDOTE

Health Canada has agreed to review the prescription-only status of an
antidote used to treat heroin and other opioid overdoses.

A number of provinces have called for naloxone to be easier to access,
so people who might one day need it can keep it on hand.

The idea would be to treat naloxone like EpiPens and insulin, the
department suggested in a press release, which was issued without
fanfare on Friday.

"In the event Health Canada's initial assessment finds that the
benefits of expanding access appear to outweigh potential risks, the
next step would be a public consultation," the department said in the
release.

It suggested the full process could be completed in about 18
months.

In April 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an
easy-to-use device that injects naloxone, which is also known by the
brand name Narcan.

The device is meant to be used as a first step in response to an
overdose - the drug can be administered to try to keep the person
alive until an ambulance arrives.

Normally, a manufacturer is the party that applies to have a drug's
prescription status reviewed.

But Health Canada can also initiate the process, if it believes there
is a health and safety benefit to allowing easier access to a drug.

A number of provinces and cities have already started programs in
which they give out "rescue" kits containing naloxone and syringes to
opioid users or their families and friends. For instance, Edmonton and
Toronto have programs which arm volunteers with kits and training on
how to use them.

Earlier this week, the Alberta government announced it would pay for
1,000 naloxone kits to be distributed in a variety of centres in the
province. Funding was also promised for another 2,250 kits, if they
are needed.

Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said the move was a response to the
growing number of fentanyl-related deaths across Alberta.

Health Canada said that as a first step in its risk assessment, it has
asked provinces and cities to share the data they have on naloxone
use.

"While naloxone has been used safely in Canadian hospitals for more
than 40 years, Health Canada's risk assessment would examine all
elements, including the risks of use in the initial absence of a
health professional," the statement said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt