The BC government has approved an initiative that will see more nasal naloxone distributed throughout the province in an effort to curb toxic drug deaths.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, life-saving medication that temporarily reverses the effects of a drug poisoning, or overdose.
It works by binding to receptors in the brain to block or reverse the dangerous respiratory depression caused by opioids like fentanyl, heroin or oxycodone.
Nasal naloxone is preferred over typical injection-based, or intramuscular, naloxone because it is easier to use under stress and reduces the risk of accidental needlestick injuries.
“We’ve lost too many friends, family members and loved ones to the toxic-drug crisis,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health.
“The poisoned supply means anyone — whether they’re using for the first time or have used regularly — faces the risk of a toxic-drug poisoning.”
In total, the Province is contributing $50 million to increase the distribution of nasal naloxone.
This will allow nasal naloxone to account for approximately half of more than 400,000 kits that are distributed annually.
The kits will be distributed to 150 community sites beginning soon and will be handed out at all 2,400 take-home naloxone distribution sites in April, including many pharmacies.
Since 2024, when the Province launched a nasal naloxone distribution pilot project, over 60,000 kits have been handed out.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the expansion of nasal naloxone across BC,” said Chloe Goodison, executive director, NaloxHome Society.
“Drug poisoning is the leading cause of death for people age 10 to 59, and every community is impacted. Nasal naloxone removes fear and complexity, giving the youth we work with a tool they feel comfortable carrying and confident using in an emergency.”
Goodison added that investing in nasal naloxone specifically will empower communities and prevent tragic, preventable deaths.
The BC Green Party says they welcome this investment, but would like to see more done to further curb the toxic drug crisis.
“Nasal naloxone will save lives. It is particularly helpful for British Columbians who are hesitant or unable to inject naloxone in an emergency,” said Jeremy Valeriote, MLA for West Vancouver–Sea to Sky.
“Making overdose reversal more accessible is critical.”
Though they recognize the importance of this investment, the BC Greens are calling on the Province to support Canadians and strengthen domestic supply chains by sourcing nasal naloxone from Canadian manufacturers.
Even within BC, Vancouver-based Fair Price Pharma has developed a nasal naloxone product that can be manufactured domestically at roughly half the cost of US suppliers.
If this company were to be supported by the Province, they could seek approval from Health Canada to begin production at a heavily reduced price point.
“While expanding naloxone access is important, it does not address the root cause of the crisis: a poisoned and unregulated drug supply,” Valeroite continued.
Since the public health emergency surrounding toxic drug deaths was declared in 2016, more than 17,970 deaths have been attributed to drug poisoning, or overdose.
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