Currently, naloxone, potentially lifesaving medication in an opioid overdose, is currently listed as a Schedule II drug in Manitoba. This means it does not require a prescription, but it must be distributed out by a health-care provider and only sold in pharmacies.

The Manitoba government announced they intend to make legislative changes in order to de-classify, or unschedule, naloxone. Once unscheduled, naloxone can be accessed or sold in any retail location and without requiring a health-care provider.

More information can be found in this Manitoba government press release – https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=50064&posted=2020-12-15.