Health Canada is warning of incorrect dosage information in Canadian Hospital Specialties’ take-home naloxone kits, which could impact treatment effectiveness.
The health agency says the “SAVE ME” instruction sheets provided in the kits may incorrectly recommend repeating a dose three to five minutes after the first, when the correct time is two to three minutes.
Anyone with a naloxone kit with incorrect information is asked to return the card to the business or store where they obtained it and exchange it for a valid version.
Health Canada says delaying the administration of naloxone “may result in permanent disability or death.”
The agency says the affected kits will not be removed from the Canadian market in order to maintain access to a life-saving drug.
Health Canada is monitoring the situation and says it will take appropriate action if additional safety information is identified.
Naloxone is a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, according to the Government of Canada website.