Fentanyl Awareness & Naloxone

First patented in New York in 1961 by scientists looking to treat constipation caused by chronic opioid use. In 1971,The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Naloxone for treating opioid overdoses by intravenous injection. As opioid use increased in the 1990's other ways to administer naloxone, in a quick in safe manner for non-hospital setting, were being evaluated by medical professionals. In 1996, 15 states and Washington, D.C., piloted take-home naloxone kits for laypersons. The program results were positive. 

The FDA has approved naloxone in the forms of injectable, intranasal, and auto-injector. The injectable, most frequently used by First Responders and hospitals, is labeled Naloxone Hydrochloride. Narcan and Kloxxado are brand names for the intranasal. Zimhi is the brand name for the auto injector. 

As of March 29, 2023 Narcan as been approved for Over the Counter Sales (OTC). Should be on the shelves by end of 2023.

Opioids slow down  the activity of the nervous system which could result in respiratory  failure leading and even death. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist medication used to reverse an opioid overdose.by binding to the opioid receptors to reverse and block the effects of the opioids.

Naloxone is NOT a permanent fix to an opioid overdose. It is a temporary treatment that will last only 30-90 minutes.

Passed in 2015, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1462, which permits the prescription and dispensing of an opioid antagonist to persons at risk of experiencing an overdose, along with any person in a position to assist in an overdose emergency. 

Sec.A483.102. PRESCRIPTION OF OPIOID ANTAGONIST; STANDING ORDER. (a) A prescriber may, directly or by standing order, prescribe an opioid antagonist to: (1) a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose; or (2) a family member, friend, or other person in a position to assist a person described by Subdivision (1)……

Sec.A483.105. POSSESSION OF OPIOID ANTAGONIST. Any person may possess an opioid antagonist, regardless of whether the person holds a prescription for the opioid antagonist. 

Sec.A483.106. ADMINISTRATION OF OPIOID ANTAGONIST. (a) A person who, acting in good faith and with reasonable care, administers or does not administer an opioid antagonist to another person whom the person believes is suffering an opioid-related drug overdose is not subject to criminal prosecution, sanction under any professional licensing statute, or civil liability, for an act or omission resulting from the administration of or failure to administer the opioid antagonist.

Refer to bill for further explanation

Take a Naloxone training.  Learn how to recognize the signs of an Opioid overdose. and follow the manufacturer's instructions. 

Additional dosages can be given every 2-3 minutes until the person regains consciousness. Always call 911. Naloxone is only a temporary intervention. The person can overdose again if not given that proper care. 

No. Naloxone will only temporarily reverse an Opioid related overdose. 

Naloxone has no effect on the following IN their purest state – unaltered    

•Benzodiazepines – Xanax, Librium, Tranxene, Valium, Klonopine, Diazepem

•Stimulants – amphetamine, cocaine, ephedrine

•Marijuana

•Sleep agents- Ambien

•Alcohol

Keep Naloxone in the original packaging. Naloxone should be kept out of extreme heat or cold. Studies have shown that Naloxone is effective after the expiration date. 

Narcan brand is available over the counter as of 3/29/2023. 

Morenarcanplease.org

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• SB 1462
• Good RX

Community Based Distribution Programs

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