Challenge meeting the demand for naloxone kits in BC

A medication that can reverse the effects of a drug overdose appears to be running low on supplies.

Take-home naloxone kits are available from more than 170 sites across B.C. and thousands have been distributed in recent years.

In January, Health Minister Terry Lake said certain specially licensed firefighters will be allowed to administer naloxone, an inexpensive drug that’s injected in a large muscle, such as a thigh, and its effects last from about 30 to 60 minutes. Patients would be transferred to a hospital for further treatment.

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However, it appears there is a challenge meeting the demand for the kits, especially as the number of overdoses continues to rise.

The provincial government says it is working with the BC Centre for Disease Control to address the shortage of kits.

WATCH: (originally aired March 23) – Bob Nakagawa from the College of B.C. Pharmacists explains how getting the drug without a perscription could reduce Fetanyl overdoses.

2:19 Deregulation of overdose drug Naloxone to save lives