Regulation relaxed for emergency naloxone supply during COVID-19

It has been announced that there will be a widening of the availability of overdose reversal drug Naloxone while measures to tackle coronavirus remain in place.

The Lord Advocate has confirmed that for the duration of this crisis it would not be in the public interest to prosecute any individual working for a service registered with the Scottish Government who supplies naloxone in an emergency, to save a life.

Under existing UK legislation, supplies of naloxone can be held by non-drug treatment services for use in an emergency, but not for onward distribution. In the current crisis, it has been decided that this could present an obstacle to people receiving the treatment that they need.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Jeane Freeman commented:

“We’ve already announced a number of measures to ensure that treatment and support services are not disrupted, during this crisis. As part of that, we have increased the availability of naloxone – a medication which reverses opiate overdose.

“Under existing UK legislation, supplies of naloxone can be held by non-drug treatment services for use in an emergency, but not for onward distribution. In the current crisis that could present an obstacle to people receiving the treatment that they need.

“So that’s why the Lord Advocate has confirmed that for the duration of this crisis it would not be in the public interest to prosecute any individual working for a service registered with the Scottish Government who supplies naloxone in an emergency, to save a life.

“I hope that statement provides confidence and certainty to relevant professionals, as they carry out their important work. And I hope it will further ensure that people can get the treatment they need when they need it.

Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said:

“I welcome the Lord Advocate’s statement of prosecution policy in respect of the distribution of naloxone during the period of disruption caused by COVID-19. This will help to ensure that we can continue to support those affected by drug use and keep them safe.”