take-home naloxone kits for opioid overdose
overview
naloxone is a medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid emergency. opioids are strong pain medicines. examples include hydromorphone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and morphine. heroin is also an opioid.
taking too much of an opioid can slow or stop your breathing. this is an emergency. if naloxone is given soon enough, it may save a life.
naloxone comes in a take-home kit you can carry with you. you may hear it called a narcan kit or a rescue kit.
the take-home kit may contain:
- a nasal spray device that contains the medicine.
- the medicine along with syringes and needles.
talk to your doctor or pharmacist about a take-home naloxone kit. a kit can help, and can even save your life, if you have taken too much opioids. you can get a naloxone kit without a prescription at most drugstores or through a community take home naloxone program.
when is naloxone used?
naloxone is used when a person shows signs of an opioid emergency. a person may have taken too much of an opioid if they have:
- slow, shallow, or stopped breathing.
- pinpoint pupils.
- blue or purple lips or fingertips.
- no response when you ask questions, shake the person, or rub the person's breastbone with your knuckles.
make sure your family and friends know about these signs of an opioid emergency.
if someone appears to have taken too much of an opioid, call 911. this is an emergency.
credits
current as of: november 15, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: november 15, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
