An alarming increase in overdose in Saskatoon has some front -line workers who ask the Saskatchewan government to expand its Naloxone program to take home to include nasal spray easier to use, not just the injection kits.
Free Naloxone Nasal Spray is offered in Ontario, Quebec, the Yukon and Northwest territories. Unlike the most invasive injectable version, the overdose reversion medication is sprayed directly on the nose.
“Some people will simply feel comfortable using needles and if that is something that prevents someone from using naloxone, or naloxone loading, so that is a barrier that we should get rid of,” said Sarah Kozusko, Queen City Wellness pharmacy manager in Regina.
Its pharmacy is one of the almost 300 locations in the province, including health clinics, certain pharmacies and community organizations, where people can collect free injectable naloxone. Kozusko said he believes that the lack of publicly funded spray is preventing more people from carrying the medicine to save lives.
A nasal kit to take home with two nostrils costs around $ 72, while the injection kit with two needles covered by the province is sold around $ 50.
‘We have not made a decision’
On Wednesday afternoon, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions of the Province said that the province is considering the application.
“We are looking at the nasal naloxone. We have not made a decision on whether that is something we are going to distribute, but it is something we are seeing,” Lori Carr told the journalists of the legislature.
“It should be everywhere,” Kozusko said.
The pharmacist is often asked to manage multiple doses of naloxone to people who experience drug poisoning in the vicinity of their store. Usually, it begins with a fast nasal spray shot, calls 911, then goes to injections. In his personal time, he prefers to carry the smallest and most convenient nasal spray.
“It’s like these little small things that I can throw as easily as a bag or a fanny woman,” he said. “It’s not stronger, but it’s easier to use.”
He also appreciates that he does not have to worry about getting rid of a needle.
Ask Nasal Spray in Saskatoon
The Saskatoon Fire Department has responded to more than 700 overdose this year, with an average of 24 per day for most March. The Saskatchewan Public Security Agency said it is providing more Naloxone supplies in Saskatoon, and on Tuesday Health officials indicated that it would include a shipping of Nasal Naloxone spray.
Kayla Demong by Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR) in Saskatoon has made a public plea for donations to buy nasal spray.
“Just make it available. Make sure it is distributed, because it is the easiest way to teach people how to respond and have that confidence to answer,” said Demong.
“You can be afraid ‘
PHR has sought donations from the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and the Tribal Council of Saskatoon to raise thousands of dollars to buy the kits.
Rob Kraushaar is the director of the Clinical Program of the Regina Street team, a group that offers services to vulnerable people.
He has no complaints about the supply chain for free injection kits. He said he fills an order form, then collects cases of kits to take home of the Mental Health and Addictions. But his team is always looking for nasal spray. He said they trust the gifts of indigenous supporters who receive spray for free under federal health benefits.
People in the front lines say that most overdose require multiple doses of naloxone to revive the person, regardless of whether they are injectable or nasal spray.
“If people inform that four or five doses of things do not bring someone back to Saskatoon, if they are looking at what they have to pay for that as an organization, such as, that is crazy,” Kraushaar said.
He is convinced that more people would be willing to carry naloxone as a nasal spray that needles.
“You can be afraid. As, the first 30, 40, 50 overdose that I responded in the street and I had to use the injectables, your hands are trembling, you are trying to fit [the syringe] In this little road … Everything Meanwhile, in your head, you are thinking that every second is life or death for this person, “Kraushaar said.
