This guide provides instructions for delivering the take home naloxone intervention to clients.
Last updated:
27 August 2020
Content 1
- Determine client eligibility. Clients at risk of overdosing on illicit or pharmaceutical opioids (those currently using, have recently used, or are at risk of returning to using opioids after taking a break), likely to witness an overdose, are aged 16+, and contraindications (hypersensitivity) and precautions (pregnant/breastfeeding) have been considered.
- Introduce the Take Home Naloxone intervention to the client. Describe its purpose (‘to help people respond to and prevent deaths from overdose’), likely duration of intervention (10-20 minutes), and involves the supply of take home naloxone at no cost.
- Assess and address client’s understanding of overdose: either unstructured (clinical assessment) or use the Take Home Naloxone Client Questionnaire and provide feedback using the Consumer Information Sheet.
- Discuss with client the choice between prefilled syringe for intramuscular injection or intranasal naloxone. Demonstrate the contents and use of Prenoxad® (injected) and Nyxoid® (intranasal).
- Health worker and client to complete the Take Home Naloxone Checklist and Record of Supply form.
- Health worker to supply naloxone to client (client’s preferred formulation i.e. either nasal spray or pre-filled syringe if possible) in accordance with the Procedures, including labelling, and record in the Drug stock control sheet / imprest log book.
- File completed documents in client medical record (where patient medical record exists) or where no individual client medical records are maintained (e.g. NSP, outreach), file in a Take Home Naloxone intervention folder at each participating site.
Content 2
Current as at: Thursday 27 August 2020
