Take Home Naloxone

Overview

At The Pharmacy Network, our pharmacists provide access to the Take Home Naloxone program, offering free naloxone to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is a safe, life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids and restore breathing.

This service is available at The Pharmacy on Bunda, The Pharmacy on Northbourne, and The Pharmacy on Franklin, providing fast, confidential access without a prescription.

What Is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a medicine that reverses the effects of opioid overdose, including slowed or stopped breathing. It works by blocking the effects of opioids in the body.

• Naloxone can be used for overdoses involving:

• Prescription opioids (e.g. oxycodone, morphine)

• Illicit opioids (e.g. heroin)

It is designed for emergency use and is safe to administer, even if opioids are not present (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 2023).

Why Take Home Naloxone Matters

Opioid overdose can be life-threatening, but it is often reversible if treated quickly.

The Take Home Naloxone program aims to:

• Reduce deaths from opioid overdose

• Provide timely access to life-saving treatment

• Support individuals and communities at risk

Naloxone is most effective when it is available at the time of overdose, which is why community access is so important (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 2023).

Who Can Access Naloxone?

Naloxone is available free of charge to people who may be at risk of opioid overdose, including:

• People taking opioid medicines

• People who use opioids (prescribed or non-prescribed)

• Friends, family members, or carers of someone at risk

No prescription is required, and access is confidential.

How Our Pharmacists Can Help

At The Pharmacy Network, our pharmacists will:

• Supply naloxone under the Take Home Naloxone program

• Explain how and when to use it

• Provide guidance on recognising the signs of overdose

• Offer advice on what to do in an emergency

• Provide support in a non-judgemental and confidential manner

Providing harm reduction support and safe medicine supply aligns with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Professional Practice Standards (PSA, 2017).

What to Expect at The Pharmacy Network

Accessing naloxone is simple. You can speak to our team at any time — no appointment is required.

Our pharmacists will provide brief education to ensure you feel confident recognising an overdose and using naloxone if needed.

When to Use Naloxone

Naloxone should be used in a suspected opioid overdose, which may include:

• Slow or stopped breathing

• Unresponsiveness

• Blue or grey lips or fingernails

• Snoring or choking sounds

Naloxone works temporarily, so emergency medical care is still required after it is given.

Free, Life-Saving Support

If you’re searching for naloxone near you, opioid overdose reversal, or free naloxone pharmacy, our pharmacists at The Pharmacy Network are here to help.

Visit The Pharmacy on Bunda, The Pharmacy on Northbourne, or The Pharmacy on Franklin for fast, confidential access to naloxone.

References

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2023). Take Home Naloxone Program.

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. (2017). Professional Practice Standards.