Reversing Opioid Overdoses With A Free Over-The-Counter Nasal Spray

If you knew that a free, over-the-counter nasal spray could save someone from an opioid overdose in just minutes, would you carry one with you?

Now accessible at most pharmacies, is Naloxone (also known as Narcan), a medicinal nasal spray used to reverse or reduce the effects of opioids, with its makers claiming it can be used in a safe and harmless way, with no negative side effects.

It’s also available completely free of charge.

Naloxone offers a “quick and accessible treatment” that is designed to stabilise an individual experiencing an opioid overdose, anywhere, at any time, before further medical attention attends the scene.  

Opioids encompass a variety of drugs, including synthetic opioids like oxycodone (OxyContin®) and hydrocodone (Vicodin®), alongside substances such as codeine, morphine, heroin and numerous other illegally laced street drugs.

Major concerns have been raised specifically for those consuming high dosages, with studies suggesting that prescribed opioids contribute to a shocking amount of roughly 75 hospitalisations and two deaths per day.  

A local mother by the name of Amber Stead is determined to spread her knowledge of Naloxone throughout the community, in hopes of reducing the amount of drug overdoses in the region.  

Amber raises major concerns as a mother and says that, “People are dying needlessly without knowing that a tiny nose spray, free to all, could have saved the sons and daughters that they now mourn.”

“The new opioid hitting Australia starves the body of breath quickly so the use of Narcan can make the difference between an ambulance making it or not,” she said.

“Things have changed, drugs are so dangerous now and I just want people to know that they have an option instead of watching people die in front of them.

“I think if we can be bold enough to have a sharps container on the wall, we can be brave enough to put out a notice that you can access Narcan.”

Amber says she is happy to be a “Nanny Narcan” to speak out and publicly raise awareness about the nasal spray in areas where it may be needed most, particularly for the night life in popular clubs, pubs and parties where a simple spray up the nostril could mean the difference between life or death.

“I’m having these conversations with my grown children, so that when they go up town or to a party, they can carry it with them knowing that they could potentially save someone’s life,”  

“If you know you’re in a situation where you or someone you know is using, be drug smart and carry it with you,” Amber remarked.

Just as a home needs a fire extinguisher, Amber, along with professional pharmacists and medical advisors suggest that Naloxone should be a normalised part of a safety plan or first aid kit that is easily accessible in all homes and venues. The small size of the nasal spray allows for convenient storage in a glovebox, handbag, or even a pocket.

Local Pharmacist Manager, Danielle Thompson from United Chemists West Mackay, says that Naloxone can save lives and is a device more locals should have on hand as a safety precaution, in case of an emergency.  

“It’s simply a nasal spray that you spray into the nose and it immediately reverses the effects of the medication, and it can be lifesaving,” Ms Thompson said.

“It’s free, it’s available to everyone, you can take two boxes at a time and it’s all confidential.”

Due to the rising issue of drug overdoses, The Government has made Naloxone free for all to access over the counter in hopes of reducing the number of deaths caused by the drug.

“There has been an increase in overdoses from people taking illegal street drugs which those drugs are being mixed with very strong opioids and there have been a number of deaths because of it,” Ms Thompson said.

“Likened to having a fire extinguisher at home – you hope you’ll never have to use it but it’s there as a safety precaution in case you do.”

While the nasal spray is said to be life-saving, medical advisors say that calling an ambulance for further medical attention is still required.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, everyone could be in a situation that requires fast action in the current drug climate - just having one in every home would save hundreds,” Amber added.

 

If you require further assistance, please reach out to the following numbers:
Lifeline - 131114
Drug Arm - 0749441173
Narcotics Anonymous- 0473633066 or 1300652820
Beyond Blue- 1300224636
Nelson St Mental health – 49683893

Danielle Thompson, Pharmacist Manager from United Chemists West Mackay. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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“Things have changed, drugs are so dangerous now and I just want people to know that they have an option instead of watching people die in front of them.

“I think if we can be bold enough to have a sharps container on the wall, we can be brave enough to put out a notice that you can access Narcan.”

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