Naloxone

Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse the symptoms of an overdose or adverse reaction of opioids.

Symptoms can include:

This can be a result of opioids like heroin and prescription medicines such as morphine (MS Contin), oxycodone (oxycontin) and fentanyl (Duragesic).

How to use

You can give Naloxone to anyone experiencing symptoms through muscular injection or nasal spray.

It's easy to use and instructions are included with each product.

After giving Naloxone, you must still call 000 for an ambulance because it's a temporary treatment.

It only works for around an hour while heroin and other opioid drugs stay in the body for much longer.

This means they can deteriorate again once it wears off. You must follow the instructions provided by your health professional or on the product.

You can also watch the following videos on YouTube for more information on using:

The Australian Government has recently expanded funding for the Take Home Naloxone (THN) program.

This program allows people to access Naloxone for free and without a prescription from pharmacies.

From 2023, other services may be approved to supply Naloxone.

To access it, you must let them know if it's the first time you have accessed Naloxone and if it's for yourself.

For more information about the THN program, go to the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care website.

There are currently 21 THN locations across Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek below.

Providers marked with an asterisk are also needle and syringe program outlets.

If you would like to be an authorised Naloxone provider under the THN program, contact Medicines and Poisons by:

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