Expanding the Toolbox for Substance Use Healthcare: Availability of Intramuscular Naltrexone in Canada

Explores intramuscular (IM) naltrexone as a treatment alternative for helping people living with alcohol or opioid use disorder. Unlike oral naltrexone, which requires daily dosing, IM naltrexone is administered once every 28 days and helps reduce cravings for alcohol and opioids by blocking the effects associated with substance use (e.g., “high”). Its longer-acting formulation may support people who experience barriers to daily medication routines or consistent health care access, including those facing housing instability, mental health challenges, employment insecurity, rural and remote access challenges, or involvement with institutional systems.

Three key points of interest you will find in the document:

• Clinical decision making and policy considerations associated with using IM naltrexone to support people living with alcohol or opioid use disorder.
• The efficacy and effectiveness of oral and IM naltrexone.
• Considerations related to safety, cost and implementation when exploring the role of IM naltrexone in Canada.