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All about naloxone


Photo Credit: Lift the Label

It’s incredibly important for everyone to know about naloxone – what it is, what the signs of an overdose are, how to use naloxone, and where you can get it.  

Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose, including ones caused by fentanyl. Even if you don’t think you know someone who is using substances, naloxone is a must-have for all people to carry with them. You never know whose life you could save.  

The most common form of naloxone – and the easiest to use – is a nasal spray, and brand names include NARCAN® and Kloxxado. Colorado has a standing order that allows anyone to request naloxone from a pharmacy without a prescription. Naloxone is available without a prescription from the Southern Ute Health Center Pharmacy, from the Behavioral Health Center, and is also distributed at many community events. NARCAN® can also now be found over the counter in stores.  

We encourage everyone to have naloxone. If you have a friend or family member in need of some, don’t hesitate to give them yours. You can always pick up another free dose from Tribal Health. The goal is to ensure everyone in the community has naloxone! 

We especially want to ensure all youth have access to a naloxone kit, as they are at high risk. Let them know that you are giving the naloxone to them to save someone else’s life, and have a conversation without judgment, to ensure they are comfortable having naloxone and using it if needed.  

 

How to recognize the signs of an overdose 

 

Here are some common signs of an overdose. Don’t hesitate to use naloxone, even if you are not sure if it’s an overdose. Naloxone is completely safe to use on someone who isn’t experiencing an overdose. It has absolutely no effect on the body unless there are opioids in the system.  

 

  • Person is unconscious or unresponsive. 
  • Slow or stopped breathing. 
  • Pinpoint pupils. 
  • Limp body. 
  • Vomiting. 
  • Weak or no pulse. 
  • Bluish-purple lips or skin tones in lighter-skinned people. 
  • Grayish or ashen tones in darker-skinned people. 

 

Steps to use naloxone 

  1. Call 911 immediately.  
  1. Ensure the person is lying down with their head tilted back.  
  1. Insert nozzle into one nostril and press plunger firmly. Start rescue breathing.  
  1. If there is no response after 2-3 minutes, administer a second dose (if available) in the other nostril.  
  1. Stay until emergency medical help is received.  

 

The Good Samaritan Law protects those concerned they may be charged for drug possession or sharing when they call 911 for someone experiencing an overdose. Call 911, stay at the scene, identify yourself, and cooperate with responders to avoid being charged.  

Again – naloxone is completely safe to use on anyone, in any situation, even if they aren’t overdosing.  

 

Some other important information to know about naloxone: 

  • Naloxone has been proven safe to use past expiration. You do not need to throw away expired naloxone and should still use it in the event of an overdose. 
  • Do not leave naloxone in your car or an area that gets very hot, because the heat can decrease how well the medicine works. The only exception to leaving it in your car is if you have an insulated case. It is ok to store naloxone in a cold car—it will work once it unfreezes.  

 

Remember, addiction is treatable, and recovery is always possible. Learn more about naloxone, addiction treatment options, and resources at LTLSouthernUte.org. You can also learn how individuals in your community found recovery. 

If you have an immediate mental health, emotional or substance use concern, the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line is free, confidential and available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or live chat at 988Colorado.com. 

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