Case Scenario 

Adnan, 35, has been using heroin on and off since becoming homeless at the age of 15. He comes into the pharmacy to ask about naloxone. Adnan explains that many years ago he found a woman on the floor of a bathroom, unresponsive, with blue lips and barely breathing. He panicked and tried to shake her awake, but she died in front of him. Adnan has always tried to be cautious with his own opioid use but has had to call the ambulance several times for others. 

Learning Objectives

After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to: 

  • Explain the signs of an opioid overdose 
  • Explain the role of naloxone in the management of opioid toxicity 
  • Discuss the key aspects of the Take Home Naloxone program in the pharmacy context 
  • Explain key advice to provide when supplying naloxone.

Competency (2016) standards addressed: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2

Already read the CPD in the journal? Scroll to the bottom to SUBMIT ANSWERS.

Introduction

Collectively, opioids are the group of drugs most often implicated in unintentional drug-related deaths.1 In this article, ‘opioids’ is used as the umbrella term to cover pharmaceutical opioids and illicit substance

THIS IS A CPD ARTICLE. YOU NEED TO BE A PSA MEMBER AND LOGGED IN TO READ MORE.

CPD LOGIN
Click here to become a member

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR