FAQ - Opioids, Overdose and Naloxone
Opioid overdose, also known as opioid poisoning, is a significant public health problem. Our FAQ is there to help you understand the issues and dangers of this crisis.
Learn how to react in case of an overdose and how to recognize the signs and avoid them. Discover the role of Naloxone as an antidote during an overdose and how to get your hands on a Naloxone kit.
The opioid crisis in Canada: let the statistics speak
In 2023, more than 28,000 emergency room visits were recorded for opioid intoxication, and over 8,000 deaths were apparently linked to such intoxication. The majority of deaths are related to the illicit use of opioids rather than an overdose of a medication prescribed to treat a health problem. In many cases, other substances were consumed in addition to the opioid (ex. stimulants, benzodiazepine) and contributed to the intoxication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pharmacy services
If you have questions or concerns about the use of medications opioids or naloxone, do not hesitate to consult your pharmacist. He can give you the information you need and answer your questions.
1 CIHI (Canadian Institute for Health Information). Opioid-Related Harms in Canada [Internet]. Available: https://www.cihi.ca/sites/default/files/document/opioid-related-harms-report-2018-en-web.pdf
2 Uniprix. S.O.S. Naloxone Hydrochloride Injection [Internet]. Available: https://www.groupeproxim.ca/fr/lexique-medicaments/7269/sos-naloxone-hydrochloride-injection
3 Health Canada. Opioid Overdose [Internet]. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/problematic-prescription-drug-use/opioids/overdose.html
4 INESSS. Naloxone [Internet]. Available: https://www.inesss.qc.ca/en/themes/medicaments/collective-prescriptions/protocoles-medicaux-nationaux-et-ordonnances-associees/naloxone.html
Additional resources used:
https://ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2022-03/CCSA-CCENDU-Drug-Alert-Nitazenes-2022-en_0.pdf
https://aqpsud.org/outils-de-promotion-de-la-sante/
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Proxim. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy.
The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.