Take home naloxone is a medicine kit you keep on hand in case someone near you has an opioid overdose. Under the Australian Government Take Home Naloxone program, it is free and you do not need a prescription. Your Community Pharmacy supplies it to anyone who might need it, and the pharmacist shows you how to use it before you leave.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdose, including drugs like heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. It works by restoring normal breathing in someone whose breathing has slowed or stopped.
What does “Take-Home” mean?
It means you can get a naloxone kit to keep with you, so you can use it in an emergency before medical help arrives.
Who can get it?
In many areas, it’s available to:
- People at risk of opioid overdose
- Family, friends, or carers
- Members of the public who may need to respond in an emergency
How is it used?
Usually given as a nasal spray or injection, and it’s designed to be used by non-medical people with simple instructions.
Why is it important?
Opioid overdoses can happen quickly, and naloxone can save a life if given in time. Having a kit nearby allows for immediate action while waiting for emergency services.
Health Tips
- Recognise overdose signs early (slow or no breathing, unconsciousness)
- Call emergency services immediately in any suspected overdose
- Carry your naloxone kit with you at all times
- Inform family or friends on how to use the kit
- Avoid mixing opioids with alcohol or other drugs
- Check expiry dates and replace your kit when needed
How take home naloxone works
Naloxone works by blocking opioids from attaching to receptors in the brain. It only acts when opioids are in the body.
The effect lasts about 30 to 90 minutes, and the person can overdose again once it wears off. That is why an ambulance is always needed, even when the person seems to recover. In NSW the free kits come in two forms:
- the Nyxoid nasal spray, sprayed into the nostril
- the Prenoxad pre-filled syringe, injected into a muscle
Who can get free naloxone
According to NSW Health, this includes people who use drugs that could be contaminated with strong synthetic opioids such as fentanyl or nitazenes. Members of the public can legally give naloxone without first aid training. If you take strong pain relief, a medication review is a good time to talk about keeping a kit at home.
Responding to an opioid overdose
Very slow, shallow or noisy breathing, cold clammy skin, bluish skin and nails, confusion and fainting are common signs of overdose. If you suspect one:
- Call 000 and tell the operator the person has overdosed.
- Check their breathing and clear the airway.
- Give the naloxone as you were shown.
- Put an unconscious person on their side in the recovery position, and give rescue breaths if they stop breathing.
- Stay with them until the ambulance arrives.
Never put the person in a shower, give them anything by mouth or inject anything other than naloxone.
Collecting your kit at the pharmacy
Ask at the counter for a kit during opening hours. The pharmacist will ask which form suits you, walk you through how to give it and answer your questions. NSW Health suggests phoning ahead to check a site has stock, so call us on (02) 9999 1186 if you want to be sure before you come.
Common questions
How does the free naloxone program work at a pharmacy?
The Australian Government pays for the medicine, so community pharmacies can hand it out at no cost and without a script. You simply ask, and the pharmacist explains how to use it.
Where can I get free naloxone in Newport?
From Your Community Pharmacy at Shop 3, 1 Kalinya St. Directions are on our contact page.
Will naloxone hurt someone if it was not an opioid overdose?
Naloxone is safe to use, cannot be misused recreationally and has no effect without opioids in the body. In someone who is dependent on opioids it can bring on withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sweating. Still give it if you suspect an opioid overdose, and call 000. More answers are on our FAQs page.
Can I get naloxone for a family member?
Yes. Family, friends and carers of someone who uses opioids are all eligible. Other free services are listed on our health services page.