NALOXONE & OVERDOSE.
Naloxone saves lives. And ANYONE can carry it.
Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It works by blocking the effects of opioids and can restore breathing when an overdose has slowed or stopped it.
Naloxone works on opioids—including fentanyl, heroin, and prescription opioids. If you're not sure whether opioids are involved, use naloxone anyway. It will not harm someone who isn't experiencing an opioid overdose. (SOURCE)
CARRY NALOXONE.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHOSE LIFE YOU MAY SAVE.
NEED TO USE NALOXONE RIGHT NOW? → QUICK OVERDOSE RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN OPIOID OVERDOSE?
Opioids can slow breathing. During an overdose, they can slow it so much that breathing becomes dangerously inadequate or stops altogether.
Without enough oxygen, the brain and other organs can be injured within minutes. That's why recognizing an overdose and responding quickly matters.
Unresponsive or unable to wake up
Slow, shallow, irregular, or stopped breathing
Blue, purple, gray, or pale lips/skin/nail beds
Pinpoint pupils
SIGNS OF AN OVERDOSE
IF YOU'RE NOT SURE, TREAT IT LIKE AN OVERDOSE.
Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of opioids so a person can breathe again.
During an opioid overdose, opioids affect areas of the brain that control breathing, causing breathing to become dangerously slow or stop. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids, allowing breathing to return.
It works quickly, but it doesn't last forever. The effects of some opioids may last longer than naloxone, which is why an overdose can return after someone initially wakes up.
HOW NALOXONE WORKS.
NALOXONE BUYS TIME.
WHAT YOU DO WITH THAT TIME MATTERS.
WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE OVERDOSES.
The priorities are simple: restore breathing, give naloxone, and get help.
CHECK
Try to wake them and check their breathing.
CALL
Call 911.
GIVE NALOXONE
Give naloxone as soon as possible when an opioid overdose is suspected.
BREATHE
Support breathing. Oxygen is critical during an overdose.
REPEAT & STAY
Additional naloxone may be needed. Stay with the person and continue responding until help arrives.
NEED STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS? → QUICK OVERDOSE RESPONSE
IT'S SAFE
Naloxone only works on opioids. If opioids aren't involved, naloxone won't reverse the symptoms—but giving it will not harm the person.
MORE THAN ONE DOSE MAY BE NEEDED
Some overdoses require additional doses of naloxone. Continue supporting breathing and follow the overdose response instructions while waiting for help.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT NALOXONE.
WITHDRAWAL CAN HAPPEN
Naloxone can cause sudden opioid withdrawal. A person may wake up confused, uncomfortable, nauseated, agitated, or in pain. Stay calm, explain what happened, and stay with them.
AN OVERDOSE CAN RETURN
Naloxone is temporary. Some opioids can remain in the body longer than naloxone works, so someone can become unresponsive again.
EXPIRED NALOXONE? USE IT.
Replace expired naloxone when you can. But during an overdose, if expired naloxone is what you have, use it. Expired naloxone is better than no naloxone.
BE READY BEFORE YOU NEED IT.
Carry naloxone. Know where it is. Make sure the people around you know where it is too.