Naloxone, also known as Narcan®, is a rescue medication that can save lives quickly by reversing opioid overdoses, including fentanyl. Narcan® can be sprayed up the nose, or injected into the muscle, blocking the opioids off brain receptors, and restoring normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breathing is slow, or is not breathing, because of an opioid overdose. More than one dose of Narcan® may be required when stronger opioids like fentanyl are involved.

Narcan® will only work if a person has opioids in their system and is safe to use. Narcan® cannot cause any harm to someone if they are not overdosing. Narcan® has very little side effects but if it is administered to someone who is dependent on opioids it can cause the body to go into opioid withdrawal. Withdrawal from opioids can cause the person to be agitated when they wake up, which is another reason to call 911 if you suspect an overdose. If the person is not overdosing on opioids or overdosing at all, Narcan® is still safe to use and will not affect the person. When in doubt, save a life and administer Narcan® if overdose signs are present.

Anyone can save a life during an opioid overdose with Narcan®, a front-line defense in the nation’s overdose crisis. Under A.R.S. § 36-2267, any person may administer an opioid antagonist, like naloxone, to a person who is experiencing an opioid-related overdose. The statute further states, "A person who does this in good faith and without compensation is not liable for any civil or other damages as the result of the act.” It is strongly recommended that Narcan® be administered to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose and should be used whenever an opioid overdose is suspected. 

Anybody using drugs could be at risk for an overdose. If you, your friends, or loved ones use drugs, or take prescription opioid medications, Narcan® is the rescue medication that can help reverse an overdose. Carrying Narcan® does not increase drug use, it only saves the lives of those who could overdose on opioids. Narcan® should be immediately accessible to family members and friends of people at risk of opioid overdose, first responders, healthcare providers, and schools.

Families that openly talk to their teenagers about drugs have a lower chance of becoming addicted to substances later in life. Parents have a significant influence in their children’s decisions to experiment with alcohol and other drugs and the more education someone is given, the more likely they will make better decisions when it comes to drug use. The reality is, providing children and teens education, knowledge and resources may save a life and prevent future abuse.

Everyone should become familiar with the signs of an overdose, know how to administer Narcan®, and other actions to take if someone is overdosing. If you know someone who uses substances, struggles with substance use disorders, or is prescribed opioids for chronic pain you should be trained and have a Narcan® kit available. Patients can receive Narcan® prescriptions through their medical providers and the public can now purchase Narcan® from any pharmacy without a prescription.

• Sonoran Prevention Works: spwaz.org/arizonanaloxone/
• Substance Abuse Coalition Leaders of Arizona: naloxoneaz.com/
• Terros: https://www.terroshealth.org/narcan/

• Narcan: https://www.narcan.com/public-service-educational-kit-form/
• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/naloxone/training/index.html
• Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/opioidoverdose
• GetNaloxoneNow: https://www.getnaloxonenow.org/

• Opioid Assistance and Referral Line (OAR): 1-888-688-4222
• SAMSHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Teen Lifeline: 1-800-248-TEEN (8336)
• Northern Arizona Crisis Line: 1-877-756-4090