Naloxone is a key component to preventing future overdose deaths for people flagged as at risk for an opioid overdose. Given the nature of the ED, EPs are poised to provide education on this life-saving drug to those who need it most. Keep in mind that any co-prescribing strategy relies on educating the patient’s family, friends, or other support person on how to administer naloxone.
Key Takeaways for the ED
- Identify patients who may be flagged as high-risk for an overdose. HHS has detailed information on high-risk patient profiles that should be prioritized for co-prescribing naloxone.
- Formalize guidelines and protocols for co-prescribing.
- As an example, MaineHealth has a published Naloxone Kit protocol that can be found as part of their Emergency Department Clinical Guidelines.
- Assess which positions within the ED are best poised to provide education on naloxone to patients and their families.
- For example, some EDs use pharmacy in this role.
- Patients may be reluctant to fill naloxone or may want additional resources for family or friends, as these individuals are key to naloxone administration. With all co-prescribing, refer to community-based programs and services that have naloxone access. These include health departments, syringe exchange programs, and pharmacies, among others.