Latest News

WRAD fears people missing out on life-saving medication

WRAD fears people in south-west Victoria could be missing out on a potentially life-saving medication, Naloxone,

Naloxone is available as an intranasal device (Nyxoid), and can completely reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

However, WRAD operations manager Mark Powell said it seemed not enough people know about the medication.

“If you take opioids for any reason or experiment with drugs, or know someone that does, you can access Naloxone via a prescription from you doctor,” Mr Powell said. “At WRAD we offer a training session on how to use Naloxone effectively as a first aid intervention for overdose through our peer overdose prevention program,” he added.

Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids and provides opportunities for overdoses to be treated immediately. It can be administered while waiting for an ambulance. “You can do no harm by administering Nyxoid but you can potentially save a life if the cause is an opioid overdose,” Mr Powell said.

Both within Australia and internationally, the rising use of opioids is a cause of concern. All opioids—including codeine—can be addictive and their use can result in dependence, accidental overdose, hospitalisation or death. Legal or pharmaceutical opioids (including codeine and oxycodone) are responsible for far more deaths and poisoning hospitalisations than illegal opioids (such as heroin). Every day in Australia, nearly 150 hospitalisations and 14 emergency department presentations involve opioid harm, and three people die from drug-induced deaths involving opioid use.

“These are preventable deaths,” Mr Powell said. “The federal government has recognised this and made available access to Naloxone that reverses the effects of overdose.”

Contact WRAD on 55645777 or via website email wrad@wrad.org.au for more information.

WRAD will hold workshops for interested family members individuals or community members.