International Overdose Awareness Day: Addressing the Emergence of Nitazines and Enhancing Access to Naloxone through Pharmacies
30 August 2024
As International Overdose Awareness Day on 31 August approaches, it is a reminder of the critical importance of raising awareness about overdose prevention, reducing stigma around drug-related deaths and acknowledging the loss of families affected by substance use disorder.
This year the focus of pharmacists extends to new and emerging challenges, including the emergence of nitazines in Australia and the continued efforts to expand life-saving measures, such as the Take Home Naloxone program.
Emergence of Nitazines in Australia
In recent months, there has been an increase in the detection of nitazines in Australia.
Nitazines are a group of synthetic opioids which are significantly more potent than fentanyl, posing a heightened risk of overdose and death. Nitazines have been found in a variety of illicit drugs, including non-opioid substances, and in many cases, people have unknowingly consumed them.
The introduction of nitazines has been noted in several reports and the threat they pose underscores the need for increased vigilance, public education and proactive measures to prevent overdoses.
Take Home Naloxone Program: A Life-Saving Initiative
The federal Government has expanded the Take Home Naloxone program, fully funding the availability of naloxone and ensuring there are no out-of-pocket costs for people who may experience or witness an overdose.
This initiative is a critical step in reducing overdose deaths, ensuring that individuals at risk of opioid overdose, their friends and family members have ready access to this life-saving medication.
Community pharmacists play a vital role in the program’s success, serving as accessible points for the distribution of naloxone. However, only around two thirds of Australian pharmacies are currently stocking this critical medicine.
By increasing access to naloxone, more Australians can be empowered to respond effectively in the event of an overdose, potentially saving countless lives.
New resources to assist pharmacists in conversations about opioid use and medicines safety are available at www.psa.org.au/opioidsafety.
Drug Checking – an opportunity to do more
In addition to promoting overdose prevention through naloxone access, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) continues to advocate for the implementation of drug checking services across Australia.
PSA first published a position on drug checking in 2019 and continues to support advocacy for regulation review.
PSA supports the introduction of drug checking to further enhance public health and safety, especially because new and dangerous substances like nitazines have entered the market.
Raising Further Awareness
PSA’s recently released vision for the profession, Pharmacists in 2030, articulates six actions to realise the vision. One key action is Access to Care, supporting pharmacists to provide all consumers greater access to care by increasing and leveraging their accessibility to address unmet health needs.
PSA President, Associate Professor Fei Sim, said “Pharmacists, as medicine experts, are essential in mitigating the risk of overdose linked to both medicines and illicit substances. Whether it is participation in the Take Home Naloxone program or actively contributing to opioid stewardship and improved quality use of medicines, pharmacists’ vital role and contribution in community pharmacies, hospitals, aged care facilities, and other primary care areas should not be overlooked.”
“International Overdose Awareness Day presents an opportunity for the community, healthcare professionals, policymakers and the media to continue raising awareness about the risks of opioid overdose, the emergence of new threats, such as nitazines, and the importance of harm reduction strategies.”
“PSA encourages support for initiatives including the Take Home Naloxone program and the adoption of drug checking services, which are vital to efforts to save lives and reduce the impact of drug-related harm.”
Pharmacists in 2030 is available to pharmacists and the public at www.psa.org.au/pharmacists_in_2030
