According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of U.S. deaths involving opioids surpassed 80,400 in 2021. That’s up from 68,630 in 2020 and nearly 50,000 in 2019. Much of that is from non-pharmaceutical (illegal) fentanyl.
Health care professionals are urging people to carry naloxone (also known as Narcan) to help save lives. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of opioids. It can quickly save the life of someone suffering from an overdose.
Naloxone can be administered by anyone, not just health care workers. It comes in an easy-to-use nasal spray.
In March 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted to approve naloxone nasal spray to be available over the counter. Many lives could be saved if people have this medication on hand.
How do you give naloxone to someone having an overdose?
A nasal spray version of naloxone is the most common type. The two other types include an injectable and an autoinjector that goes into the muscle, like EpiPen. The nasal spray is available over the counter.
When you get naloxone, open the box to see how it works so you’re prepared in an emergency.
Once you administer naloxone, the person having an overdose may become disoriented or even agitated. Stay with them until emergency crews arrive.
Remember that opioids like fentanyl are not absorbed through the skin. You can feel safe to touch a person having an opioid overdose without endangering yourself.
Why is it so important to have naloxone – even if you’re not a drug user?
Health care professionals are hoping to de-stigmatize the conversation around naloxone. Even people who don’t use drugs or opioids should have naloxone on hand. You never know when you’ll encounter someone in need of this life-saving medication. Keep it in your purse or your car for when you might need it.
Parents with teenagers are encouraged to keep naloxone in their homes. Parents can also give it to their teens to take to school or sporting events – and make sure to educate them on what to do.
Having more of this life-saving drug in the community is important. You could end up saving a friend or neighbor in need. Article Source
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Narcan Training @ Emanuel Temple Apostolic Church – Training by Drug Safe Solano
August 31 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
ETAC/Drug Safe Solano
300 6th St. Vallejo, CA 94590