What is Naloxone? How do I order Naloxone?

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Naloxone (also known as Narcan or Evzio) is a life-saving medication used to reverse a drug overdose, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone can be quickly given through nasal spray or through an auto-injector into the outer thigh.

It is safe and easy to use. Naloxone works almost immediately and is not addictive. Naloxone has very few negative effects, has no effect if opioids are not in a person’s system, and no potential for abuse. 

Naloxone - CDPHWhat is Naloxone CDPH

Where can I get Naloxone for free? 

Anyone can get naloxone for free from a pharmacy or from a local organization that has a naloxone distribution program, such as a local opioid or overdose safety coalition.

It may be possible to access mail-based naloxone through Next Distro.

The Naloxone Finder, from the National Harm Reduction Coalition, provides information on how to locate naloxone in the community.

How can organizations order Naloxone? 

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a statewide standing order to help facilitate the distribution and administration of Naloxone in California. To learn more about the standing order, review the FAQs and terms and conditions to determine if your organization or entity should complete an application.  

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) provides naloxone at no cost to qualified organizations to distribute naloxone within communities. Learn more by visiting the Naloxone Distribution ProjectReview the FAQs to learn more.

Overdose Prevention

Know the signs of an overdose:

  • Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils”
  • Falling asleep or losing consciousness
  • Slow, weak, or no breathing
  • Choking or gurgling sounds
  • Limp body
  • Cold and/or clammy skim
  • Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)

How to respond to an overdose:

It may be hard to tell if someone is experiencing an overdose. If you are not sure, treat it like an overdose - you could save a life. During a fentanyl overdose, two or more doses of naloxone may need to be given.

  • Call 911 and give naloxone
  • Keep the person awake and breathing
  • Lay the person on their side to prevent choking
  • Stay with the person until 911 responders arrive

 

 Naloxone Narcan Nasal Spray and Evzio auto-injector

Naloxone - Narcan Nasal Spray     Naloxone - Evzio auto-injector

 

 Additional Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naloxone - Evzio auto-injector