Naloxone

Nasal naloxone, more often known by the name brand Narcan^®, is a form of medicine that is administered by a nasal spray that is used to temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist—meaning that it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids in the body. It can very quickly reduce signs of an opioid overdose from heroin, prescription opioid pain medications, or drug(s) containing fentanyl.

You can tell it is working because it quickly helps a person breathe normally. It is not a treatment for opioid addiction.

Signs of an opioid overdose include:

Being unconscious
Very slow or shallow breathing
Limp body
Not responding when called, touched, or shaken

Since most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, Naloxone was developed to be used by for first responders, and is now widely available in nasal spray form to family, friends, and caregivers—with no medical training required. Naloxone was made to be easily administered in a variety of settings, but administering naloxone does not replace the need for someone experiencing an opioid overdose to be assessed and treated in the emergency room. As the opioid reversing effects of naloxone are temporary, it is important for an opioid overdose survivor to immediately be assessed by professionals in a medical setting to avoid lapsing back into overdose.

Carry naloxone with you every day. You can be a first responder. You can save a life.

Why should I carry Naloxone?

If you or a loved one struggle with opioid use, you should have naloxone nearby. Ask your family and friends to carry it and let them know where your naloxone is, in case they need to use it.

People who previously used opioids and have stopped are at higher risk for an overdose. This includes people who have completed a detox program or have recently been released from jail, a residential treatment center, or the hospital. These people now have a lower tolerance for opioids and can overdose more easily.

Who can use Naloxone?

Anyone—including you—can give naloxone to someone who is overdosing from a prescription opioid medicine, heroin, or a drug containing fentanyl. Narcan^® or Kloxxado^™ nasal spray is a ready-to-use, needle-free medicine that can be used without any special training. They require no assembly and are sprayed into one nostril while the person lies on their back. The spray bottle (atomizer) is small and can fit in your pocket, purse, or glove compartment. Carry two spray bottles in case a second dose is needed.

Carrying naloxone does not mean that you are encouraging people to misuse opioids or other drugs. It just means that you are ready to save a life if they overdose.

For more information on laws that protect people who prescribe, carry, and use naloxone, please visit the Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System website.

How safe is Naloxone?

Naloxone is very safe and saves lives. It can be given to anyone showing signs of an opioid overdose, even if you are not sure if they have used opioids. Naloxone is not addictive and cannot be used to get high.

Nasal naloxone is an easy-to-use nasal spray packaged with two spray bottles (atomizers) in case a second dose is needed. A Quick Start guide in the box gives instructions and should be read in advance. People receiving naloxone kits that include a syringe and naloxone ampules or vials should receive a brief training on how to use it.

Naloxone

has been proven to be extremely safe, with no negative effects on the body if the person has not used opioids;
can also be used on pregnant women in overdose situations; and
does not cause any life-threatening side effects.

People with physical dependence on opioids may have signs of withdrawal within minutes after they are given naloxone, but this is normal and good because it means that the naloxone is helping the person to breathe again. Normal withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, changes in blood pressure, anxiety, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors. These symptoms are not life threatening but can be uncomfortable.

What happens is you administer naloxone to someone who you think is experiencing an opioid overdose but is not? Nothing – if a person is administered naloxone and they do not have an opioid in their system, naloxone will have nothing to counteract. No harm can be done by administering naloxone to someone who does not have an opioid in their system.

Naloxone is not addictive and cannot be used to get high. Naloxone has been proven safe to use, including on people who are pregnant.

How long before I know Naloxone is working?

There are currently two naloxone nasal spray products that generally work the same: Narcan^® or Kloxxado^™ nasal spray. They begin working within minutes after they are given and should help the person wake up and breathe again. After administering a single spray in one nostril, put the person in the recovery position, on their side with arms forward, and upper leg bent at the knee in front of the body, somewhat like a sleep position. Further instructions can be found in the box with the product, or online by searching for “recovery position.”

If the person does not respond to the first dose of naloxone within two to three minutes, a second dose should be given, after putting the person on their back again.
- Important: If using a nasal spray, a second dose requires a second spray bottle (atomizers).
Naloxone works for 30 to 90 minutes, but because many opioids remain in the body longer than that, it is possible for a person to show signs of an overdose after naloxone wears off. Therefore, one of the most important steps is to call 911 so the person can receive medical attention to monitor their breathing and treat these possible effects. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive and be sure to tell them about the products and doses you gave the patient. Be sure to throw away all used spray bottles and naloxone products.

How do I administer Naloxone?

To learn how to administer naloxone, check out the following resources:

Call a Narcan trainer in your area (see Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution resources at the bottom of this page)
Take a training from Get Naloxone Now
Watch a naloxone training video
Get step-by-step instructions for using naloxone nasal spray
Learn how to respond and call for emergency services once naloxone is given

If you witness someone experiencing a life-threatening opioid overdose, immediately call 9-1-1 and then administer naloxone. Multiple doses of naloxone may need to be administered, but doing so all at once is not effective. Wait two to three minutes after each dose of naloxone is given to allow time for naloxone to reach effectiveness before administering another dose.

Where can I get Naloxone?

Naloxone is available in many pharmacies with or without a personal prescription where you will most likely have to pay a health insurance prescription co-pay. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are required to carry naloxone; however, some independently owned pharmacies may not carry naloxone. For more information on the standing order in Massachusetts for pharmacies to carry naloxone, click HERE.

You can also reach out to your local Health Department and Police Department to ask if they provide naloxone and naloxone training free of cost. Please be aware that not all communities do this. If you are close to someone who is at risk for an opioid overdose and need to have naloxone on hand, please contact one of the following to ask about how to to get free naloxone and naloxone training. Some programs listed below are Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) sites sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Lowell Health Department: 978-674-1065
Lowell Community Health Center: 978-221-6767
Lowell House Addiction Treatment and Recovery (English): Gianna Sandelli, 978-735-3228
Lowell House Addiction Treatment and Recovery (Spanish and English): Dereck Sampson, 978-866-8308
Learn to Cope: 508-738-5148
Additional OEND locations can be found here: ENGLISH, SPANISH, PORTUGUESE

978-382-4989

DrugfreeGL@gmail.com

Drug Free Greater Lowell is an easy-to-use website created for residents of Greater Lowell, Massachusetts who want more information on Substance Use Disorder and the available resources in their community. To learn more about our initiative, visit the About Page.

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