Free Naloxone Kits in Edmonton: What They Are and How to Use Them

What Is Naloxone and How Does It Work

Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. Opioids — including fentanyl, heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and hydromorphone — work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body. In an overdose, this binding suppresses breathing to a life-threatening degree. A person may stop breathing entirely within minutes.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist: it binds to those same receptors with greater affinity than opioids, rapidly displacing them and blocking their effects. Within two to five minutes of administration, a person who has stopped breathing can begin to breathe again on their own.

It is critically important to understand that naloxone’s effects are temporary — typically lasting 30 to 90 minutes. Fentanyl and other potent synthetic opioids can outlast a single dose. This is why calling 911 immediately is essential, even if the person appears to recover after naloxone is given.

Naloxone has no effect on a person who has not taken opioids. It cannot be misused to get high, and it will not harm someone who does not need it. It is one of the safest medications available.

Who Should Carry a Naloxone Kit

Opioid overdoses do not only happen in predictable settings. They can occur at home, in workplaces, in parks, or at community events. Having naloxone nearby means the difference between life and death in the minutes before paramedics arrive.

You should strongly consider carrying naloxone if you:

• Take prescription opioids yourself (even as directed by a physician)
• Have a family member or friend who uses opioids, prescribed or otherwise
• Work in social services, healthcare, housing, or community outreach
• Spend time in settings where drug use occurs
• Simply want to be prepared to help someone in your community

Given that the vast majority of overdose deaths involve fentanyl — which can be present in any illicit drug supply — carrying naloxone is a reasonable precaution for anyone, the same way people carry a first aid kit or an EpiPen in their household.

What’s in a Free Naloxone Kit

Alberta Health Services provides two types of kits through community pharmacies like Acme Drug Mart:

Most people prefer the nasal spray kit because it requires no preparation — you simply insert the tip into one nostril and press the plunger. Both kits are equally effective. Your pharmacist at Acme Drug Mart will walk you through whichever kit you take home.

How to Use Naloxone: Step-by-Step

Time matters in an overdose. Signs that someone may be overdosing include: unresponsive or unconscious, slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, blue or grey lips or fingertips, gurgling or snoring sounds (sometimes called the “death rattle”), and pinpoint pupils.

If you suspect an overdose, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 immediately. Do this first, even before administering naloxone. Tell them someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Stay on the line.
2. Try to stimulate the person. Rub your knuckles firmly on their sternum (breastbone) or call their name loudly. If there is no response, proceed to naloxone.
3. Administer naloxone. For nasal spray: insert the tip of the Narcan device into one nostril and press the plunger firmly. For injectable: draw up 1 mL (0.4 mg) into the syringe and inject into the outer thigh, upper arm, or buttock — through clothing if necessary.
4. Give rescue breaths if trained. Tilt the head back, lift the chin, and give one breath every five seconds using the rescue mask included in the kit.
5. Place in the recovery position if they are breathing but unconscious: on their side with the top knee bent forward to prevent choking.
6. Wait and watch. If there is no response within 2–3 minutes, administer a second dose of naloxone in the other nostril (or a second injection). Repeat every 2–3 minutes as needed until EMS arrives.
7. Stay with the person until paramedics take over. Do not leave them alone, even if they appear to have recovered — the opioid can outlast the naloxone.

If the person wakes up and wants to use again, strongly advise them to wait until they have been assessed by EMS. Re-using opioids while naloxone is active can trigger sudden re-overdose when the naloxone wears off.

Where to Get Free Naloxone Kits in Edmonton

Free naloxone kits are available across Edmonton through Alberta Health Services’ Take Home Naloxone program. Acme Drug Mart is a participating dispensing pharmacy — you can walk in during any business hour and receive a kit at no charge, with no prescription and no prior paperwork required.

When you pick up a kit, our pharmacist will:

• Confirm which kit format works best for you and your situation
• Walk through the administration steps with you
• Answer any questions without judgment
• Provide a replacement kit if you have used one

Other free distribution sites in Edmonton include AHS Community Health Centres, the Boyle Street Community Services, the Boyle McCauley Health Centre, and several Alberta Health Services mobile outreach programs. However, if you are in West Edmonton or nearby, Acme Drug Mart is a convenient and private option.

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act — You Are Protected

The law was enacted specifically to remove the fear of arrest as a barrier to calling for help. Prior to this legislation, people frequently did not call 911 during an overdose because they feared police. That fear has cost thousands of lives.

The Good Samaritan Act does not protect against outstanding warrants or other offences unrelated to simple possession. However, for the purpose of responding to an overdose in good faith, you will not be charged with possession of drugs that are at the scene when you call 911.

Call 911. Every time. The law is on your side, and the minutes matter.

This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, pharmaceutical, or emergency response advice. In an emergency, always call 911 first. Naloxone administration instructions may vary by product — always read the package insert included with your kit. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Good Samaritan Act protections described are based on federal law as of the article date; consult a legal professional for specific advice. Acme Drug Mart pharmacists are available for individual consultations during business hours.