5 Things to Know About Naloxone

"1. Naloxone saves lives.

Naloxone, for example Narcan®, is a medicine that can help people who are overdosing on an opioid. Opioids include prescription medications, heroin, and fentanyl. Sometimes other drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, are mixed, or laced with fentanyl.

Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids, including:

• Heroin
• Morphine
• Oxycodone (OxyContin®)
• Methadone
• Fentanyl
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
• Codeine
• Hydromorphone
• Buprenorphine
  
  
  2. There are two ways to give naloxone.

  Naloxone can be administered by bystanders and is available as a(n):

  

  Nasal Spray
  Prefilled devices that spray medication into the nose.

  
  

  

  Injectable
  Medication (solution) given by injection into a muscle or under the skin.

  For more information on the different forms of naloxone and how to use them please visit the Lifesaving Naloxone.
  3. Naloxone is safe. Naloxone will not harm someone if you give it to them and they are not overdosing on an opioid.

  
  

  Naloxone can be given safely to people of all ages, from infants to older adults. This includes an adolescent or young adult who may have unintentionally taken an opioid.

  During an overdose, a person’s breathing can be dangerously slowed or stopped, causing brain damage or death. It’s important to recognize the signs and act fast, even before emergency workers arrive..."
  Naloxone