Here’s something of possible grave concern to anyone compelled to administer Naloxone in a critical situation.
Health Canada is advising that Naloxone Take Home Kits (NTH Kits) by Canadian Hospital Specialties Ltd. may contain incorrect naloxone dosing information on the “SAVE ME” instructional card.
The “SAVE ME” instructional card provided in the Canadian Hospital Specialties kit may recommend re-administration after three to five minutes.
This is an error.
Any “SAVE ME” instructional card that differs from the two to three-minute dosing re-administration recommendation that is found within the NTH Kits should be returned to the company or the store in order to obtain a corrected “SAVE ME” instructional card.
Delaying the administration of an additional dose may result in permanent disability or death.
The NTH Kits contain naloxone either as a nasal spray, an ampule (injectable), or a vial (injectable). These products are used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
Anyone with an impacted NTH Kit should contact the company at recalls@chsltd.com or the store where they obtained it to request a revised “SAVE ME” instructional card with the correct information.
It is important to note that these NTH Kits are not being removed from the Canadian market so as not to disrupt access to naloxone, a potentially life-saving drug.
Health Canada is monitoring the situation and if additional safety information is identified, it will take appropriate action and inform Canadians, as needed.
What you should do
If you need to administer a second dose of naloxone, you can safely do so two to three minutes after the first dose.
For further information: Public Enquiries: (613) 957-2991, 1-866 225-0709, info@hc-sc.gc.ca
By Rick Stow