Health Canada is warning of a potentially life-threatening error in the instruction card that comes with naloxone kits.
Naloxone is a fast-acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose which can restore breathing within two to five minutes.
The erroneous instruction in the kit is in reference to how frequently someone experiencing an overdose should be administered naloxone.
“The product labelling for naloxone indicates that, if necessary, a second dose of the product can be administered two to three minutes after the first dose,” said Health Canada in a media release.
“The ‘SAVE ME’ instructional card provided in the kit may recommend re-administration after three to five minutes. This is an error.”
Health Canada added that delaying the administration of an additional dose may result in permanent disability or death.
Related:
- ‘A little bit of kindness’: How to save lives on Vancouver Island during the toxic drug crisis
- Over 1,150 British Columbians dead from toxic drugs in first half of 2024
People who carry naloxone are being instructed to check to see if their kit is impacted.
If a kit is impacted by this error, people should contact the company or the store from which they obtained it to receive a new “SAVE ME” instructional card, according to Health Canada.
To learn how to administer naloxone correctly, visit Towards the Heart’s website and watch the video below.
