What is Naloxone (Narcan®), and why should I consider having it at home?
(Naloxone, pronounced “nul-laak-sown”)
Opioids are usually very safe when taken as prescribed, but they can cause serious safety problems if used improperly. Rarely someone might confuse their pills and accidentally take too much of their opioid medication, or they may be in extreme pain and take more than they usually do. Overdosing on an opioid pain medication can cause a person to stop breathing. This is a medical emergency. Doctors prescribe Naloxone (Narcan®) to have on hand just in case of this emergency - because it SAVES LIVES.
What is Naloxone (Narcan®)?
Naloxone (Narcan®) is a medication to treat an overdose from opioid pain medications. Naloxone works quickly to restore breathing and wake the person who has overdosed.
Why was I prescribed Naloxone?
Many people with cancer pain are caught off guard when their doctor suggests having Naloxone at home. Here are some common thoughts or concerns that may come up:
-
“Is this medicine more dangerous than I thought?”
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“Does my doctor think I’m an addict?”
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“Does my doctor trust me?
If your care team suggests Naloxone, it is not because they think you are addicted to opioids. Most people who take opioids for pain are given Naloxone to have in case of an emergency. Although it is very unlikely that you will ever need to use Naloxone, doctors prescribe it because it can save a life if someone accidentally overdoses.
Who needs to know how to use Naloxone?
Any trustworthy person who lives or spends a lot of time with you should learn how to use Naloxone. You should also learn, especially if anyone in your home has an addiction problem and might have access to your medications.
What to do in case of an overdose
There are four steps to respond to this emergency.
1
Identify overdose
Person does not wake after you shake them; slow or no breathing; skin is blue, grey, or pale; and pupils of the eyes are small
2
Call 911
3
Give the naloxone right away
4
Start CPR
If person is not breathing, give 1 breath every 5 seconds.
How to use naloxone spray
1
Peel back the tab
2
Hold the spray with thumb on the plunger
3
Put two fingers on either side of the nozzle
4
Support the person's neck
5
Gently insert the tip into one nostril
6
Press the plunger
No assembly needed, spray up one nostril by pushing plunger
Image credit: SFDPH Opioid Safety materials www.presribetoprevent.org
7
Remove the spray and place the person on their side
8
Observe the person closely until emergency responders arrive
Types of Naloxone
A
Nasal spray
See above for details.
B
Multi-step nasal spray
Assemble the spray by twisting the parts together.
C
Auto-injector
This is a device with voice instructions to give naloxone by a needle into muscle.
Questions?
If you need more naloxone, or you need a different type of administration, call your pharmacy.
For more information about naloxone in Massachusetts, visit www.mass.gov/naloxone or call the doctor who prescribe your opioids.
Adapted from
DFCI Patient and Family Education Committee
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