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Written question asked by Charlotte Nichols (Labour) on Monday, 24 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. It was answered by Ashley Dalton (Labour) on Monday, 19 January 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Naloxone: Public Consultation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to publish a consultation on access to naloxone.

Answer

Naloxone is a lifesaving medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, including highly potent synthetic opioids which are growing in prevalence in the United Kingdom. It is more important than ever to increase access to naloxone products, which will save lives.

In 2024, the Department amended the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to expand access to naloxone. The legislation enabled more services and professionals to supply this medication, making it easier to access for people at risk, and for their loved ones.

Since then, the Government has launched a ten-week UK-wide public consultation on further legislative options to expand access to take-home and emergency use naloxone.

This a central part of the government’s comprehensive approach to drug and alcohol prevention, treatment and recovery, supported by £3.4 billion of funding delivered through the Public Health Grant over the next three years.

The Department has also published guidance, Supplying take home naloxone without a prescription, that sets out essential practical information such as who can supply naloxone, the products available, how to use naloxone and other basic lifesaving tools, and the training required. This guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supplying-take-home-naloxone-without-a-prescription

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
93958
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Access Public consultation Naloxone
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk