Antidote for fentanyl overdoses to be distributed free in Regina

Naloxone, an antidote for overdoses of fentanyland otheropioids, is being made available for free in the ReginaQu'AppelleHealth Region.

Starting July 4, take-home naloxone kits will become available to people who are considered at high risk of an opioid overdose.

"It gives them some control over their addiction and hopefully will save lives as well," said PaulHodson, an addictions nurse consultant with the ReginaQu'AppelleHealth Region.

The drug is injectable and can work within minutes.

It's being given out through the health region's methadone program.

Clients of the program and family members will be able to take the kits home, but they must take a training session first.

"It's used as a preventative thing," said Hodson."When you're with your partner or the person that's overdosing and you learn to recognize the signs of it you can restore them back to being alert again."

A person who is suffering from an overdose is not alert enough to administer the medicine on their own, Hodson added.

A similar program has already rolled out in Saskatoon. 58 naloxone kits have been handed out in that city since February.

There have been at least 38fentanyl-relateddeaths in Saskatchewan since 2013, according to recent statistics from the government.

Here is a breakdown:

• 2015: 17
• 2014: 11
• 2013:11

The health ministry says it will spend$50,000 for naloxone kits in the two cities.

There has also been money set aside to expand the program into other health regions.