On October 17, 2024, the College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University held a highly informative webinar on “Opioid Overdose Management”, presented by Dr. Samia Ghennai, PharmD. Dr. Ghennai, a Clinical Toxicologist and Senior Specialist in Poison Information at the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, brought her wealth of experience to the virtual event, offering critical insights into the opioid crisis and how healthcare professionals can effectively manage overdose cases.
The webinar covered a range of important topics, including the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of commonly used opioids such as morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone. Dr. Ghennai provided an in-depth analysis of these drugs, focusing on how their unique characteristics influence overdose risk and treatment strategies. Participants also learned about the crucial role of naloxone in reversing opioid overdoses and the key steps involved in emergency response.
In addition to discussing clinical management, Dr. Ghennai emphasized the proactive role pharmacists can play in overdose prevention. From educating patients about the risks of opioid use to identifying early signs of misuse, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to contribute to public health efforts in tackling the opioid epidemic.
The event was organized by 5th year APPE students, as part of their Academic Pharmacy rotation, and was attended by PharmD students, faculty members, and healthcare professionals who expressed their appreciation for the practical and timely information shared. The webinar not only reinforced the importance of staying up-to-date with best practices in opioid management but also highlighted the responsibility of pharmacists in patient care and harm reduction.
