Department of Health

New program increases Victorian community’s access to free naloxone

04/12/23

Victoria is launching the Take-Home Naloxone Program to increase community access to naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdose.

Naloxone is proven to save lives by temporarily reversing the effects of overdose for both pharmaceutical and illicit opioid drugs like oxycodone, heroin, morphine and fentanyl. It is safe, easily administered and has no potential for misuse.

The Take-Home Naloxone Program allows approved workers in approved organisations to supply naloxone at no cost to people who are at risk of, or who may be more likely to witness, an opioid overdose including carers, families or friends of people who use opioids.

Community members who collect naloxone from an approved organisation will be permitted to give that naloxone to others at risk of an opioid overdose

Naloxone will continue to be available through existing channels, with a prescription or over the counter at local pharmacies. This includes pharmacies registered with the Australian Government’s Take-Home Naloxone program, which provide naloxone for free and without a prescription.

These changes aim to reduce opioid overdose-related morbidity and mortality by making it easier for community members who may have limited engagement with health services to access Naloxone.

Find out more about Victoria's Take-Home Naloxone program or find an approved naloxone provider near you.

Reviewed 03 December 2023

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