Narcotic-Nullifying Narcan (Nasal) Naloxone Now Available

It's finally available through pharmacies, here's the info you need to know.

submitted by

Kenny

​Effective March 27, 2018, intra-nasal naloxone spray (INNS) (Narcan ® Nasal Spray) will be publicly funded through the Ontario Naloxone Program for Pharmacies (ONPP) to all eligible recipients.

Criteria for an eligible recipient include:

1. A person who is either currently using opioids or is a past opioid user who is at risk of returning to opioid use, or
2. A family member, friend or other person in a position to assist a person at risk of overdose from opioids.

Naloxone injectable kits will continue to be funded...Eligible recipients will have the choice between injectable naloxone and INNS kits. 


McKesson Item # 119095 

McKesson DIN 2458187

Link to ODB billing procedures:
health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/opdp_eo/notices/exec_office_20180321.pdf

Link to Frequently Asked Questions:
health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/opdp_eo/notices/fq_exec_office_20180321.pdf

Link to Narcan administration instructions:
www.narcan.com/static/NARCAN-Quick-Start-Guide.pdf
​NOTE: The Narcan instructions on the PDF suggest to contact 911 after administration of Narcan...but the Ontario Ministry of Health info sheet recommends contacting 911 after you try to stimulate patient (shake shoulders, shout name)...I prefer calling 911 as soon as patient is determined to be unresponsive

Why are there no additional training fees for the intra-nasal naloxone kits? 
If you read the ODB billing procedures, what I have noticed to be "missing" is that ODB pays a professional fee ($10) and a training fee ($25) for the injectable naloxone, but only a professional fee ($10) for intra-nasal naloxone (and no training fee)...yet there is still training for the intra-nasal naloxone which is just as comprehensive as the training for injectable naloxone...I'll be forwarding my concerns to Allan Malek of OPA amalek@opatoday.com

According to the ODB FAQ...
​"Intra-Nasal Naloxone Spray (INNS) does not require any special instructions to administer and as such, the need for specific training is not necessary. Pharmacists should provide guidance to individuals who obtain a kit on who to administer the intra-nasal spray as they would for any other prescription intra-nasal drug. The intra-nasal device used in the product is very similar to devices used with other medications and requires no specialized training."

Link to OPA Training
www.opatoday.com/professional/resources/for-pharmacists/tools-and-forms/naloxone

Link to OCP Guidelines
www.ocpinfo.com/regulations-standards/policies-guidelines/naloxone-guidance/