Launch of new Penington Institute report on Naloxone access

The Penington Institute released a report proposing a model for a national take-home naloxone program for Australia in September.

The organisation argues that while naloxone has been used in Australia in emergency settings for decades – and is theoretically available for access via prescription or over-the-counter – in practice, naloxone remains largely out-of-reach for those at-risk of opioid overdose.

In launching the report, Health Minister Greg Hunt said the government would be taking its recommendations seriously.

“This report about the Australian naloxone access model…is extremely valuable,” said Minister Hunt.

“We will very very seriously consider the recommendations here… there has to be more action to get naloxone into the hands of those who need it, he said.”

At the launch, Minister Hunt also announced that intra-nasal naloxone has now been approved by the TGA for sale in Australia, which should become available later this year.