PCA(P)(2025)12 - Naloxone Emergency Supply Service Update
Published: 05/06/25
This Circular advises of an additional naloxone product that may now be supplied under the community pharmacy naloxone emergency supply service and provides an updated service specification.
Background
The Drug Death Taskforce report published in July 2022 contains the following action: All community pharmacies should hold naloxone for administration in an emergency and should be able to supply take home naloxone (THN) to people who use drugs, families and anyone likely to witness an opioid overdose.
By holding a supply of naloxone, the community pharmacy network supports increased access so that it can be used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Circular PCA(P(2023)34, issued in September 2023, stated that a naloxone emergency supply service would be added to the community pharmacy Public Health Service from 30 October 2023. It included a service specification and updated Directions for the Public Health Service.
Details
5. In addition to the two products originally available to use under the community pharmacy naloxone emergency supply service, Naloxone 1.26mg nasal spray unit dose 2 unit dose (the “pebble”) can now be used.
Service Specification and Directions
An updated service specification for naloxone emergency supply is attached to this circular as Annex A.
The only change to the service specification is to the list of products that may be used for this service. The additional product is now included in the list of products at paragraph 2.7 which are:
Prenoxad 2mg/2ml Pre-filled Syringe for Intramuscular Injection (first line option). Prenoxad is licensed from 16 years.
Nyxoid 1.8mg intra-nasal spray (second line option). Nyxoid is licensed from 14 years.
Naloxone 1.26mg nasal spray unit dose 2 unit dose (second line option). Naloxone nasal spray is licensed from 18 years.
Training
There has been no changes to the e-learning module for naloxone emergency supply, available on the NES TURAS Learn website at: Community Pharmacy Emergency Naloxone Holding Service | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot) along with a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) resource available at the same web link. However, community pharmacy contractors should ensure that their staff are familiar with the naloxone pebble product if they opt to supply it under this service.
