WHAT IS NALOXONE & HOW IT WORKS
WHAT IS NALOXONE?
Naloxone is a safe and effective opioid antagonist supported by peer-reviewed scientific literature dating back more than 50 years. Naloxone was first approved by the FDA in 1971 for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose.
Naloxone’s approval in 1971 led to its increasingly widespread use as standard equipment in emergency medicine in the 1980s, before being distributed by harm reduction in the 1990s as part of their public health initiatives. Intranasal naloxone is a well-established way to provide safe, rapid, and effective opioid overdose reversals.
HOW NALOXONE WORKS
Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist, which means it binds to the opioid receptors in the nervous system and blocks or reverses the effects of the opioids that are being misused. In other words, naloxone competes with and pushes away the chemical signals from these opioids, restoring breathing and consciousness.
WHO SHOULD CARRY NALOXONE?
Friends and family of opioid users as well as Individuals that work, live or frequent areas where opioid misuse might be present.
HOW TO GET NALOXONE?
Today, naloxone is available in several ways:
- Prescription from your doctor.
- Local Pharmacy.
- Free through community organization.
- National Organizations.
SUPPORT GREATER ACCESS TO NALOXONE
Encourage your local and state authorities to pass laws and regulations promoting greater access to naloxone. Encourage them to dedicate funds and apply for federal grants that combat opioid misuse, including through increased distribution of naloxone. Spread the word about the importance of having naloxone handy.