Health Canada Issues Warning About Dosing Instruction Error in Naloxone Take-Home Kits
Health Canada has issued a warning regarding naloxone take-home kits (NTH kits) distributed by Canadian Hospital Specialties Ltd. These kits may contain incorrect dosing information on the “save me” instructional card.
According to Health Canada’s announcement on Friday, following the incorrect instructions could affect the effectiveness of the treatment when using the kits to counteract opioid overdose.
The NTH Kits include naloxone in various forms: nasal spray, ampule (injectable), or vial (injectable). The correct product labeling indicates that a second dose of naloxone can be administered two to three minutes after the first dose, if necessary.
However, the instructional card included in the kit may incorrectly recommend re-administration after three to five minutes. This error could lead to severe consequences.
Health Canada advises that any instructional card recommending a re-administration time different from the two- to three-minute window should be returned to the company or the store for a corrected card.
“Delaying the administration of an additional dose may result in permanent disability or death,” Health Canada emphasizes.
Individuals who discover incorrect instructions in their NTH Kit should contact Canadian Hospital Specialties Ltd. at [email protected] or the store where the kit was purchased to receive a corrected instructional card.
The kits are not being withdrawn from the market to avoid disrupting access to naloxone. Health Canada assures that it is closely monitoring the situation.
