Adverse events related to bystander naloxone administration in cases of suspected opioid overdose in British Columbia: An observational study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259126
• Publication Date: 2021-10-29T17:32:07Z
• Authors: Amina Moustaqim-B...; Kristi Papamihali; Sierra Williams; Max Ferguson; Jessica Moe; Roy Purssell; Jane A. Buxton
• Keywords: Opioid Overdose; Bystander effect; Odds

Introduction Take-Home Naloxone programs have been introduced across North America in response to rising opioid overdose deaths. There is currently limited real-world data on bystander naloxone administration, outcomes, and evidence related adverse events following administration. Methods The research team used descriptive statistics from administration forms. We explored reported demographic variables among people who received by-stander administered a suspected event between August 31, 2012 December 2018 British Columbia. examined contextualized differences years given policy, program drug toxicity changes. multivariate logistic regression examine whether an association exists number of ampoules the odds that recipient will experience withdrawal symptoms. Results A large majority (98.1%) individuals were survived their 69.2% had no or only mild Receiving three (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.64 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.08–2.48)) four more (AOR 2.19 CI: 1.32–3.62)) was significantly associated with moderate severe compared receiving one ampoule naloxone. Conclusions This study provides thousands reversed overdoses using kits Columbia, suggests bystander-administered safe effective for reversal. Data emphasis titration during training situations where person experiencing can be adequately ventilated may help avoid identified decreasing trend likelihood over period.