A call for compassionate opioid overdose response

Essay
par
Russell, Erin et al

Date de publication

2024

Géographie

USA

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

This essay urges a call to action for a compassionate overdose response standard of care that prioritizes restoring breathing without precipitating withdrawal. In particular, the harm of high dose and long-acting opioid overdose reversal products are discussed. The authors highlight the need to centre the voices of people who use drugs (PWUD) in all aspects of overdose response. 

Constatations/points à retenir

The call to action: 1) PWUD should be directly involved in decisions regarding the research, development, selection, and distribution of opioid overdose reversal products; 2) regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical manufacturers should carefully consider and communicate the risk and duration of withdrawal associated with higher dose and longer-acting opioid antagonists; 3) take-home naloxone kits should include at least two doses of an intramuscular or an intranasal product; 4) At this time, high dose and long-acting opioid antagonists have no use in acute opioid overdose response; and, 5) overdose response educational materials, instructions on overdose response, and training should emphasize the restoration of breathing, avoiding withdrawal, and compassionate post-overdose support and care.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

The call to action was developed and vetted by a panel of harm reduction experts at the Compassionate Overdose Response Summit & Naloxone Dosing Meeting on March 18–19, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Mots clés

About PWUD
Advocacy
Harm reduction
Opioids
Overdose
Peer/PWLLE program involvement
Withdrawal