Prescribers are encouraged to discuss opioid-related risks and harms, including the risk of overdose, with all patients who are prescribed opioids. The addition of naloxone nasal spray to PBS-listed formulations for use in the community may help to reduce harms associated with opioid overdose. Opioid overdose represents a significant and ongoing problem in Australia. Naloxone nasal spray has clear benefits compared with injectable forms, such as ease of administration, minimal training requirements and no risk of needle-stick injury, but it is currently unknown whether these benefits will lead, over time, to a reduction in opioid-related harm. Naloxone is a fast-acting opioid antagonist that can be administered via injection or delivered as an intranasal spray to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
Provide education and training about opioid overdose and naloxone nasal spray usage to patients and carers. Ensure naloxone nasal spray is given for opioid overdose in a timely and effective manner.When prescribing opioids for patients with increased overdose risk, incorporate strategies to minimise risk including co-prescribing naloxone. Naloxone nasal spray is recommended for patients at increased risk of opioid overdose or people who are likely to witness opioid overdose.Naloxone nasal spray has advantages over naloxone injectablesĪdvantages include ease of administration, minimal training requirements and no risk of needle-stick injury.
PBS listing is expected to increase use of naloxone in the community.
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