Take Home Naloxone Pilot to launch 1 December 2019

Page last updated: 25 November 2019

The Australian Government is investing $10 million in a take home naloxone (THN) pilot in New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia.

Naloxone is a drug that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It can be injected or delivered through a nasal spray. Currently, naloxone is available in all states and territories with a prescription, or over the counter from a pharmacy for a fee.

Launching on 1 December 2019, the THN pilot aims to provide people who may be at risk of an opioid overdose, or are likely to witness an overdose, with free and easy access to naloxone. Each participating state will identify where naloxone will be available. Sites could include community and hospital-based pharmacies, alcohol and drug treatment centres, needle and syringe programs or other agreed non-pharmacy settings.

The THN pilot will be delivered in conjunction with the various THN programs currently operating in the participating states and provides a great opportunity to increase access to naloxone for people at risk.

For more information including how to register to participate in the THN pilot please visit the Department’s THN pilot website.