Free, no prescription, no questions
Free naloxone kits in Edmonton.
Anyone in Alberta can walk in and pick up a kit. No cost, no prescription, no questions. Our pharmacist demonstrates use, answers anything you'd like, and replaces it if you ever need to use it.
What it is
Reverses an opioid overdose in 2 to 5 minutes.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. It binds to the same brain receptors as opioids, but with greater affinity, displacing them and reversing the overdose. Effects last 30 to 90 minutes. Fentanyl can outlast a single dose, so 911 stays essential even after the person revives.
Who should carry one
Anyone, really.
Patients on prescription opioids. Family or friends of opioid users. Healthcare and social-service workers. Anyone in a setting where drug use happens. Or just for community preparedness, the same way you'd keep an epi-pen or a fire extinguisher.
What's in the kit
Two formats. You choose.
Nasal spray (Narcan)
One or two Narcan nasal spray devices (4 mg / 0.1 mL), instructions, rescue breathing mask. Fastest to use under stress, no needles required.
Injectable
Naloxone vials (0.4 mg / mL), syringes, gloves, alcohol swabs, instructions, rescue breathing mask. Lower per-dose cost, longer shelf life.
Recognising overdose
The signs.
- Unresponsive or unconscious
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Blue or grey lips and fingertips
- Gurgling or snoring (the death rattle)
- Pinpoint pupils
How to administer
Seven steps.
Call 911 first.
Before anything else. Even if naloxone works, the person needs medical attention.
Try to wake them.
Shout, shake the shoulder, sternal rub. If unresponsive, proceed.
Administer naloxone.
Nasal: insert the tip into one nostril, press the plunger fully. Injectable: draw 1 mL into the syringe, inject into thigh, upper arm, or buttock through clothing if needed.
Rescue breaths if trained.
One every five seconds, using the included mask.
Recovery position.
If breathing returns but they remain unconscious, place them on their side, top knee bent forward.
Wait 2 to 3 minutes.
If no response, give a second dose. Repeat every 2 to 3 minutes until breathing returns or paramedics arrive.
Stay until paramedics arrive.
Naloxone wears off before fentanyl does. Re-overdose is a real risk.
Important: Strongly advise against using opioids again while naloxone is active. The combination can trigger a worse re-overdose.
Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
You are protected when you call 911.
Under Canada's Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (2017), anyone who calls 911 to report an overdose is protected from simple drug-possession charges. The protection covers both the caller and the person who overdosed. It does not cover outstanding warrants or unrelated offences. Call 911. Every time. The minutes matter.
Where to pick one up
Walk in to Acme Drug Mart.
Unit 103, 15508 87 Avenue NW, West Edmonton. Walk in during pharmacy hours, no appointment, no questions. Our pharmacist confirms the format you want, demonstrates the steps, and provides a replacement if you ever use it.
Other Edmonton locations
- AHS Community Health Centres
- Boyle Street Community Services
- Boyle McCauley Health Centre
- AHS mobile outreach
Free, every time
Get your kit today.
No appointment, no prescription, no cost. Walk in and we'll hand it over with a full walkthrough.