Addiction is a treatable disease, not a character flaw. Prevention is possible and recovery comes in many forms to meet people where they are. This includes support groups, harm reduction kits, overdose reversal kits, medication-assisted treatment, medicine to help with cravings and withdrawal, counseling, and more.
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Types of Naloxone: Spray vs. Injectable
Narcan (Naloxone), is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose when given in time. Some people call it an overdose reversal kit. Narcan blocks the effects of heroin, fentanyl and other prescription medications. Narcan won’t
There are two main forms of naloxone available, both effective in reversing an opioid overdose:
- Nasal Spray (Narcan): This is the most commonly used form of naloxone. It’s easy to use, even for someone with no medical training. The nasal spray requires no assembly and is administered by inserting the nozzle into one nostril and pressing the plunger.
- Injectable Naloxone: This form is available in pre-filled auto-injectors or vials for use with a syringe. It may require some basic knowledge of injections. The auto-injector provides voice instructions to guide you through the process.
Both forms of naloxone work quickly to reverse an overdose, and no matter which type is used, it's critical to act fast and follow up with emergency medical services.
While Naloxone can help restore breathing within 2 to 3 minutes, the effect is temporary and may only last 30 to 90 minutes. Professional medical help will be necessary.
Learn more about administering these life-saving medications below.
Signs of an Opioid Overdose
It’s crucial to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose so that you can respond quickly. These include:
- Unconsciousness or inability to wake up
- Slow or no breathing
- Small, pinpoint pupils
- Blue or purple fingernails or lips
- Slow or weak pulse
How to Administer Narcan Nasal Spray
You and your family members or caregivers should read the Instructions for Use that comes with NARCAN Nasal Spray before using it. Talk to your healthcare provider if you and your family members or caregivers have any questions about the use of NARCAN Nasal Spray.
Use NARCAN Nasal Spray for known or suspected opioid overdose in adults and children.
Steps
Lay the person on their back to receive a dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray.
Remove NARCAN Nasal Spray from the box.
Peel back the tab with the circle to open the NARCAN Nasal Spray.
Note: NARCAN Nasal Spray freezes at temperatures below 5°F (-15°C). If this happens, the device will not spray. Get emergency medical help right away if this happens. Do not wait for NARCAN Nasal Spray to thaw. NARCAN Nasal Spray may still be used if it has been thawed after being previously frozen.
Hold the NARCAN Nasal Spray with your thumb on the bottom of the red plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under the neck with your hand. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose.
Press the red plunger firmly to give the dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray.
Remove the NARCAN Nasal Spray from the nostril after giving the dose.
What to do after NARCAN Nasal Spray has been used:
Get emergency medical help right away. Move the person on their side (recovery position) after giving NARCAN Nasal Spray.
- Watch the person closely.
- If the person does not respond by waking up, to voice or touch, or breathing normally another dose may be given. NARCAN Nasal Spray may be dosed every 2 to 3 minutes, if available.
- Repeat Steps 2 through 6 using a new NARCAN Nasal Spray to give another dose in the other nostril. If additional NARCAN Nasal Sprays are available, Steps 2 through 6 may be repeated every 2 to 3 minutes until the person responds or emergency medical help is received.
Put the used NARCAN Nasal Spray back into its box.
Throw away (dispose of) the used NARCAN Nasal Spray in a place that is away from children.
How should I store NARCAN Nasal Spray?
- Store below 77°F (25°C).
- Excursions permitted up to 104°F (40°C).
- Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat above 104°F (40°C).
- Keep NARCAN Nasal Spray in the box until ready to use. Protect from light.
- Replace NARCAN Nasal Spray before the expiration date on the box.
- Keep NARCAN Nasal Spray and all medicines out of the reach of children.
For more information, go to www.narcannasalspray.com or call 1-844-4NARCAN (1-844- 462-7226).
Download How to Use Narcan Instructions (PDF)
Important: For use in the nose only.
- Each NARCAN Nasal Spray has 1 dose and cannot be reused.
- You do not need to prime NARCAN Nasal Spray.
How to Use Narcan Injectable
Anyone without medical training or authorization can use a Narcan injectable for a known or suspected overdose.
Important: For use in the shoulder or thigh.
Remove cap from the vial.
Turn the vial upside down and place needle into the rubber stopper in vial.
Draw all of the naloxone into the syringe by pulling back on the needle’s plunger.
Be sure the needle fills with liquid – not air.
Be sure the needle fills with liquid – not air.
Insert needle all the way into the shoulder or thigh muscle.
Push down on the plunger until the syringe is empty.
Find Narcan/Naloxone
Access information on obtaining emergency medication kits to help reverse opioid overdoses and save lives.
- Community Health Paramedics – Opioid Use Disorder Support Program Response Team: 911
- Communities for Recovery: 512-758-7686 | [email protected]
- Community Medical Services: 512-339-9757 | 305 Ferguson Dr, Austin, 78753
- Integral Care: 512-472-HELP (4357) | [email protected]
- NaloxoneTexas - email
- NICE Project: 4430 Menchaca Rd. or 1010 E. Cesar Chavez or 1413 Webberville Rd and 620 W 29th St
- SAFE Alliance: 512-267-7233 | www.safeaustin.org/chat
- Sobering Center Sobering Center– 6th Street Team Outreach: 512-957-1900 | [email protected]
- Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center – 24 Hour Narcan Vending Machine: 512-368-2685 | 4430 Menchaca Rd, Austin, 78745
- Texas Harm Reduction Alliance: 512-585-7145 | [email protected]
- The Other Ones Foundation: 512-568-7557 | [email protected]
- Trinity Center Austin: 512-610-3500
- Urban Alchemy: 512-978-9920
- WorkingGroup512: [email protected]
- Vivent Health: 512-458-2437
Videos
Explore a collection of videos featuring personal testimonials, and other vital information aimed at raising awareness about the opioid crisis.
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