Narcan

The active ingredient in Narcan is naloxone. It is an opioid antagonist meaning that it opposes the effects of opioids by blocking the receptor that opioids bind to. This reverses their effects saving the user from a life-threatening overdose. Narcan can be used to reverse the effects of both street opioids and prescription opioid medications like oxycodone and fentanyl.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Narcan. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Narcan:

• To be ready in the case of an opioid emergency, always carry naloxone or Narcan for overdose prevention. Family members and caregivers should know where it is stored and how it should be used in the case of a possible opioid overdose. Use Narcan nasal spray exactly as prescribed.

-Narcan should be used at the first signs of a possible opioid overdose. Signs of a possible overdose could include:

--- Pinpoint pupils

--- Shallow, weak, or slow breathing

--- Blue skin, lips, or nails

--- Extreme drowsiness that does not respond to loud verbal stimuli or physical attempts to awaken the person

• When giving intranasal Narcan, make sure the person is on their back. Remove Narcan from its packaging and gently insert the nozzle into the nostril before using the plunger to give the dose of naloxone. Do not prime or test the spray before use. Doing so will waste the dose of naloxone.
• Call 911 following use. If signs of opioid overdose return (such as those listed above), another dose of Narcan may be given every 2 to 3 minutes using a new spray. Narcan is a temporary fix and does not replace emergency medical care. Additional medical support must be sought out right away following the first dose of naloxone. Rescue breathing or CPR may also be given until first responders arrive.

Narcan is safe to use in children. It does not affect people who experience a drug overdose due to drug abuse other than opioids making it very safe to use. An overdose due to medications such as benzodiazepines may look similar to an opioid overdose but Narcan will have no effect in this type of overdose.

Administering Narcan reverses the effect of the opioid which can lead to opioid withdrawal symptoms in the user, especially if they are opioid dependent. This includes:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Body aches
• Diarrhea
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Nervousness
• Restlessness or irritability
• Shivering or trembling
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Goosebumps
• Sweating

These are not all of the possible side effects of Narcan. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Narcan, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Heart problems
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Do not use Narcan if you have:

• A hypersensitivity or allergy to naloxone

Since Narcan is meant for emergency use, it will start working within minutes once administered.

When Narcan is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• Partial opioid agonists or mixed opioid agonists/antagonists that may be used for pain management or in the treatment of opioid use disorders such as buprenorphine and pentazocine

Narcan is available as a 4 mg naloxone nasal spray. Narcan is also available as an intramuscular naloxone injection. If you have questions about either formulation, talk to your healthcare provider.

Narcan should be stored at room temperature away from excess heat and light. Do not freeze Narcan. Keep Narcan in its original packaging until ready to use. Replace Narcan before the expiration date listed on the box.

Narcan is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Emergent.

Yes, there is a generic version of the brand name Narcan available.

Narcan is not a medication that you need to take regularly. It is meant for one-time use in emergencies.

Narcan could cause risk to the unborn baby by causing opioid withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is unknown if Narcan passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.