A drug which reverses the effect of heroin and opioid overdose is now available over the counter in pharmacies across the country, including in Queanbeyan.
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Naloxone, also known as Narcan, has no effect other than to block opioid receptors in the body. It is not addictive, and has been used to save lives.
In the past, Naloxone was available through prescription only. The change to over the counter came into force on Monday, February 1.
In Queanbeyan in 2014, Naloxone was administered by NSW Ambulance paramedics in a quarter of cases of drug overdoses in the city.
Last year, NSW Ambulance paramedics attended 59 drug overdoses in Queanbeyan and administered Naloxone to nine patients.
Blooms Chemist pharmacist Mohammed Hasan, who will be stocking the drug, believes the change to access the medication over the counter in a pharmacy will save lives.
He said opioid addiction, both from prescription opioids and street drugs, was growing.
"It is very concerning to pharmacists," Mr Hasan said of the increase.
"Basically, I think [Naloxone] will be a lifesaver."
"For it to be easily accessible through the pharmacy, from a pharmacist, it will save lives."
Mr Hasan compared the drug to an EpiPen, which is adrenaline administered to people suffering anaphylactic reactions, and to Nitrolingual spray, a nose mist which can help prevent or relieve chest pain.
"It is such essential medication," Mr Hasan said.
He said the Pharmacy Guild was organising training for pharmacists on how to educate the public on the use of Naloxone, which is currently only available in a vial and needed to be extracted with a syringe.