Can naloxone hurt someone?

No medication is totally free of side effects but naloxone is relatively safe. If naloxone is given to someone who has not taken opioids it will have no effect. Naloxone is FDA approved and is safe for children, adults, and the elderly.

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Where can I get naloxone?

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You can get naloxone by prescription from your doctor. You can get a prescription if you are using opioids or if someone close to you is misusing opioids. 

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Click here to see a list and a map of all pharmacies approved to dipense nalaxone. 

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How much does naloxone cost?

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It depends on whether or not you have insurance and how much they cover. You can usually get naloxone for a very low copay. If you can’t afford naloxone but believe that you should have it around talk to your doctor about options.

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Does Naloxone work for all drug overdoses?

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No. Naloxone only works for opioid overdoses. Opioids include heroin, Hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), morphine (Kadian, Avinza), codeine, and generic versions. Naloxone may help if someone is overdosing on a combination of drugs which includes opioids.

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If you don't know what a person is overdosing on you should still use naloxone. The naloxone will not hurt them if it is not an opioid overdose. Worst case scenario naloxone will do nothing, but in the best case it will save a life.

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Does naloxone expire? Should I use expired naloxone?

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Like most medications naloxone has an expiration date. Usually naloxone stays good for 1-2 years. Keep naloxone away from extreme heat and cold to make sure it remains effective.

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After its expiration date naloxone will be less effective. You should exchange it for a new dose after it expires. However, if an overdose happens and all you have is expired naloxone you can use it though it may be less effective.

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Can you overdose on naloxone?

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No, you cannot overdose on naloxone. If a large dose is given to someone who has taken opioids they may start to experience withdrawal symptoms.

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Can naloxone get you high?

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No, naloxone reverses the effect of opioids. Even a large amount will not get you high.

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Is it legal to carry naloxone?

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It depends on where you live. In Michigan it is legal to carry naloxone but the needle to inject the naloxone could be considered drug paraphernalia, which is illegal to have. If you are worried about this keep a doctor’s note with your naloxone kit or get a brand which don’t require a needle like the Evzio auto injector or Narcan Nasal Spray.

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Will naloxone stop a buprenorphine overdose?

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A single dose of naloxone probably won’t reverse a buprenorphine overdose. Buprenorphine is sometimes used in addiction recovery programs. It is chemically different from other opioids. A buprenorphine overdose can only be treated by a medical professional. If someone is overdosing on buprenorphine call 911 immediately. If you have naloxone administer it. Worst case scenario the naloxone will do nothing but in the best case it might buy some time for the person overdosing.

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What will happen if I reverse an overdose with naloxone?

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If you have reversed an overdose with naloxone you should call 911 immediately. Someone who just had an overdose needs medical attention even if they are feeling better. The person might begin to feel symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms like vomiting, nausea, fever, body aches, and racing heart are common. Naloxone may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if it is taken with alcohol or certain medicines.