Naloxone · A free community service
Free naloxone kits, no prescription, no explanation.
Murray Shore Pharmacy provides free naloxone kits to anyone in North York and Toronto who might need one: people who use opioids, and the family and friends most likely to be close by if something goes wrong. No prescription, no health card, no cost and no explanations. Walk in and ask at the counter, or call ahead if that feels easier.
Call us first if you prefer: 416-789-1800
What naloxone is, in plain terms
Naloxone is a drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. When an overdose slows or stops a person’s breathing, naloxone can help them breathe again while emergency help is on the way. The word that matters is temporarily: with more powerful opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil, a person can overdose again even after receiving naloxone. That is why the first move is always calling 911, and the kit is what you do while you wait.
Think of a kit the way you think of a fire extinguisher or the first-aid box in your kitchen. Having one nearby says nothing about you or your family. It only says that if the worst moment ever arrives, you would rather be holding the answer than searching for it.
Who a kit is for
Ontario’s naloxone program names three groups, and the door is open to each of them at our counter:
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People at risk of an opioid overdose
If you use opioids in any form, a kit belongs within reach. You do not owe anyone an explanation for wanting one, and nobody at our counter will ask for one.
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Family, friends and anyone likely to be nearby
Most overdoses are witnessed by someone who cares about the person. If someone in your life uses opioids, Ontario wants a kit in your pocket, not just in theirs.
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People being released from a correctional facility
Ontario names this group specifically, because the weeks after release carry real risk. Kits are available without cost, and you do not owe anyone an explanation.
What is inside the kit
Ontario distributes naloxone in two forms. Both are free, and your pharmacist shows you how to use whichever one you take home. The walkthrough takes a few minutes, not an appointment.
- Nasal spray kit
- Two doses of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray (4 mg/0.1 mL), gloves and a breathing barrier. No needles: the spray is given into the nose.
- Injectable kit
- Naloxone in 0.4 mg/1 mL doses with syringes, two alcohol swabs and a pair of non-latex gloves. Your pharmacist walks you through it before you leave.
How to get one at Murray Shore
- Come in to 3537 Bathurst St, at Bathurst and Baycrest, or call 416-789-1800 first if you would rather ask by phone.
- Ask anyone at the counter for a naloxone kit. Quietly is fine. For yourself or for someone else is fine.
- A pharmacist shows you how to recognize an overdose and use the kit, then you are on your way. Free, confidential, done.
Recognizing an opioid overdose
If you are with someone who has overdosed, call 911 immediately. Then look for these signs, and use naloxone if you have it:
- The person cannot stay awake, or cannot be woken
- Breathing is slow, or has stopped
- Skin looks pale, blue, grey or purple
- Pupils are tiny (pinpoint)
- Vomiting
Stay with the person until help arrives. Naloxone wears off, and a person can overdose again, especially where fentanyl or carfentanil is involved.
Naloxone kit questions
Do I need a prescription or a health card to get a naloxone kit?
No. Ontario is explicit about this: you do not need a prescription or an Ontario health card to get a naloxone kit. Walk into our pharmacy at Bathurst and Baycrest, ask at the counter, and we take it from there.
How much does a naloxone kit cost?
Nothing. Kits are free through the Ontario Naloxone Program at participating pharmacies, including Murray Shore. There is no fee, no form to fill out in advance, and nothing you need to buy alongside it.
Who qualifies for a free kit?
Ontario makes kits available to people at risk of an opioid overdose, to family members, friends and others in a position to assist someone at risk, and to people being released from a correctional facility. If someone in your life uses opioids, that includes you.
Will anyone ask me why I want one?
No explanation is required and none will be requested. We ask only what we need in order to show you how the kit works. Picking one up is quick, quiet and confidential, like any other conversation at our counter.
What comes in the kit?
A nasal spray kit holds two doses of naloxone spray (4 mg/0.1 mL), gloves and a breathing barrier. An injectable kit holds naloxone in 0.4 mg/1 mL doses, syringes, two alcohol swabs and non-latex gloves. Either way, your pharmacist shows you how to use it before you leave.
Do I get the nasal spray or the injectable version?
Ontario distributes both forms through its naloxone program, and what a pharmacy has on hand can vary. If you have a preference, call 416-789-1800 before you come in and we will tell you exactly what we can hand you today.
What should I do if I think someone is overdosing?
Call 911 immediately, then give naloxone if you have it. Watch for someone who cannot stay awake, slow or stopped breathing, pale or blue-grey skin, and pinpoint pupils. Naloxone is temporary: with stronger opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil a person can slip back into overdose even after a dose, so stay with them until help arrives.
The eligibility rules, kit contents and overdose guidance on this page were checked against Ontario’s naloxone kit page (opens in a new tab). Kit form on hand can vary day to day: call 416-789-1800 to confirm.
Your pharmacist is one call away.
416-789-1800 Call nowPrefer not to call? Email info@murrayshore.com or visit us at Bathurst & Baycrest.