Nyxoid nasal spray now available through BCHS to battle opioid overdose

Our Alcohol and Other Drugs team is now providing free scripts for overdose reversing medication Nyxoid.

Nyxoid is a nasal spray alternative to the injectable form of Naloxone that will temporarily reverse an opioid overdose with no side effects.

There were 392 ‘unintentional’ overdose deaths in Victoria during 2017.

Alcohol and Other Drugs team member CJ Jones said anyone who uses illegal or prescribed opioid-based drugs should learn about Naloxone.

“Death as a result of opioid overdose is rarely instant. There is usually time for a bystander to intervene and respond with life-saving Naloxone as long as it’s available,” CJ said.

“The nasal spray is simple to use, requires very little training and will save the life of a loved one or friend if administered in time. We encourage anyone who is ‘at risk’ or could witness an overdose to talk to us about a free Naloxone or Nyxoid script.”

CJ urged people to remember that both illegal drugs and opioid-based prescription medications can lead to an overdose.

“People understand that heroin is an illicit opioid, but many prescription drugs are also opioids like Codeine, Tramadol, Morphine, Oxycodone and other pain medications,” she said.