With the incidence of opioid-related drug overdose deaths on the rise nationally and locally, Pharmasave is helping to fight the epidemic one life-saving kit at a time.
The Canadian government has called the opioid crisis a public health emergency and according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there were 4,460 opioid-related deaths last year, with 1,471 of those occurring in Ontario alone.
Seventy-three per cent of accidental opioid-related deaths involved fentanyl or fentanyl analogues.
Kevin MacCarthy, a pharmacist at Pharmasave Royal Medical on Quarry Ridge Road, across from the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, says he has seen many incidences of overdose and an increase in hospital visits due to the growing epidemic.
“There were just under 3,000 emergency visits here in Barrie in the first three months of 2019,” said MacCarthy. “I’ve been in the pharmacy business for 30 years and this is one of the worst health-care crises I have seen.”
To combat the opioid overdose crisis, Pharmasave is handing out free naloxone kits to anyone who is need of one.
Naloxone is a non-prescription medicine that, when taken soon after an overdose, can save a life. The kit is available in both an injectable and nasal spray form of the medication, both of which are simple to administer and work quickly to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
In 2018, more than 200 kits were handed out by the Pharmasave where MacCarthy works and he believes there could be more needed if people knew they were available.
“I don’t think a lot of people know the kits are available,” said MacCarthy. “It is really easy to get one and anyone who could be at risk of an overdose should come in and learn how to use it.”
If you feel you need a Naloxone kit, you can pop into the pharmacy and staff will give a quick lesson on how to use the kits provided, whether it is injection or nasal.
“Those who use drugs recreationally should get a kit, even anyone who uses cannabis regularly,” said MacCarthy.
“You never know what could be mixed in with the cannabis and you should always be cautious. Also, those who are taking an opioid for medical reasons should definitely have a kit," he said. "Also, anyone with an opioid drug in their home should make sure it is locked up to be sure no one can get it accidentally or intentionally."
