Required Training to Provide Injectable Naltrexone

Prior to offering injectable naltrexone services, a pharmacist must undergo appropriate training.

UW-Madison School of Pharmacy Training Courses

Two training courses are available through the Division of Pharmacy Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy. Note: There is a fee associated with both courses. Please refer to the websites for cost information.

• Injectable Medications (IM and SUBQ non-vaccine)
  The course provides an overview of the regulations associated with providing non-vaccine injections.
• Long-Acting Naltrexone and Anti-Psychotic Drug Administration
  The course is designed to meet the non-vaccine injection requirements for Wisconsin. Pharmacists who successfully complete this training will be able to perform intermuscular injections, including naltrexone.

Training Videos

Preparation and Administration of Extended-Release Naltrexone

Best Practice: Train multiple pharmacists including pharmacy interns and residents on how to provide injectable naltrexone

The benefits of multiple trained pharmacists, front-end staff, and pharmacy residents (if possible) is that it lessens disruptions to the pharmacy’s workflow by scheduling patients for the injection. In turn, the pharmacist can focus on activities such as reviewing medications or preparing and delivering the injection. The handing-off of duties can be especially beneficial if the pharmacy has walk-in clients.

Best Practice: Engage and train front-end staff and residents in injection process and policies

By engaging front-end staff, they can complete such tasks as calling to remind the patient of their appointment, checking in the patient, conducting a benefits investigation, billing insurance, scheduling the initial or following injection appointment with the patient or obtaining a urine sample from the patient. In addition to preparing and delivering the naltrexone injection, trained residents could fulfill many of the front-end staff activities and help with the coordination of resources between recovery coaches or counseling providers, whenever possible.