Original Title: Aide-mémoire sur les trousses de chlorhydrate de naloxone — Stabilité et conservation

Authors' objectives: The increasing toxicity of opioids on the illicit drug market has led to a rise in overdoses in Canada and around the world. Naloxone is an effective antidote to opioid overdoses, as it temporarily reverses their effects, including those of fentanyl, heroin, morphine, codeine, and hydromorphone. Naloxone kits are available free of charge, without a prescription, in pharmacies in Quebec as well as in certain health care facilities and community organizations. However, due to significant temperature variations in Quebec, naloxone kits used in the field may be exposed to temperatures that do not meet the recommended storage conditions. In order to better equip professionals and actors in the field who distribute and use naloxone kits, an aide-mémoire has been produced to outline the ideal storage and stability conditions for naloxone, as well as instructions to follow if these conditions are not met.

Authors' results and conclusions: RESULTS (#1 A REMINDER OF IDEAL STORAGE CONDITIONS): it is important to follow as closely as possible the storage conditions recommended by naloxone kit manufacturers, i.e., at temperatures between 15°C and 30°C and away from light. It is therefore not recommended to leave them in a vehicle or tent in case of extreme heat. (#2 WHEN IT HAS NOT BEEN POSSIBLE TO COMPLY WITH THESE CONDITIONS): Scientific studies identified show that naloxone is fairly stable and can withstand several situations that exceed the storage conditions recommended by manufacturers, including long periods of freezing, exposure to several freeze-thaw cycles, or exposure to temperatures above 30°C.

Authors' recommendations: Following the iterative process with the advisory committee’s members, during which the clinical data and literature recommendations, the contextual information and the perspectives of the different stakeholders consulted were triangulated, a series of findings and recommendations were drawn up. These, which are included in the report, are also incorporated into the aide-mémoire intended primarily for social actors in the field.

Authors' methods: Given the rapid nature of this response, the findings and recommendations derived from it are based on a summary review of published data and consultations with several stakeholders. These findings and recommendations apply to all naloxone kits, whether in the form of glass vials or ampoules, nasal sprays, or pre-filled plastic syringes.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2025

URL for published report: https://www.inesss.qc.ca/fileadmin/doc/INESSS/Rapports/Usage_optimal/Trousses_naloxone_conservation_GN_INESSS.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Other

Country: Canada

Province: Quebec

Organisation Name: Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux

Contact Address: L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS) , 2021, avenue Union, bureau 10.083, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 2S9;Tel: 1+514-873-2563, Fax: 1+514-873-1369

Contact Name: demande@inesss.qc.ca

Contact Email: demande@inesss.qc.ca

Copyright: L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS)