Understanding the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose emergency is critical to knowing when and how to take action.
There are many reasons for opioid overdose emergencies, but most often they happen accidentally and at home.
Opioids are prescription medicines that can be used to treat pain. Opioids work by attaching to structures in your brain called “receptors” and send signals that block pain, slow breathing, and calm the body down.
Often, people taking opioids to manage their pain are unaware of the potential adverse reactions. It is important to know that opioid overdose emergencies can occur at any time, even when opioids are used as directed, especially at higher doses, and when taken with other sedating substances.
If you care for someone who’s been prescribed opioids, you may be worried about your loved one’s risk for overdose as well as the potential for dependency and addiction.
NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray is not approved to treat opioid addiction or dependency.
An opioid overdose happens when the body has been overloaded with either a medication or an illicit drug. Because they affect the part of the brain that controls breathing, if opioid levels in your blood are too high, your breathing can slow down to dangerous levels, which could even cause death.
Examples of opioids are morphine, codeine, oxycodone, oxycodone + acetaminophen, and hydrocodone + acetaminophen.
If you take prescription opioids or are worried about a loved one taking prescription opioids, let NARCAN® be there for you.
Each day, more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for opioid overdose emergencies. Are you prepared?
Anyone exposed to prescription or illegal opioids should be aware of risk factors that may lead to an accidental, life-threatening opioid overdose.
People at higher risk of an opioid overdose include:
Others who may be at a higher risk include:
Consider making NARCAN® part of your at-home safety plan.
Remember to keep opioids in a locked cabinet, away from children, and ask your doctor or pharmacist how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose. Lastly, be sure to have NARCAN®, an opioid overdose emergency treatment, in your home and household members know where it is stored.
The bottom line is that anyone who uses opioids for long-term chronic pain, as well as uses illicit opioids or misuses prescription opioids is at risk for an overdose.
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NARCAN® Nasal Spray is safe and effective in children for known or suspected opioid overdose.
Who should not use NARCAN® Nasal Spray?
Do not use NARCAN® Nasal Spray if you are allergic to naloxone hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in NARCAN® Nasal Spray.
What is the most important information I should know about NARCAN® Nasal Spray?
NARCAN® Nasal Spray is used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid medicines. The medicine in NARCAN® Nasal Spray has no effect in people who are not taking opioid medicines. Always carry NARCAN® Nasal Spray with you in case of an opioid overdose.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using NARCAN® Nasal Spray?
Before using NARCAN® Nasal Spray, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
What are the possible side effects of NARCAN® Nasal Spray?
NARCAN® Nasal Spray may cause serious side effects, including:
Sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms which can be severe. In someone who has been using opioids regularly, opioid withdrawal symptoms can happen suddenly after receiving NARCAN® Nasal Spray and may include:
Some patients may show aggressive behavior upon abrupt reversal of an opioid overdose.
In infants under 4 weeks old who have been receiving opioids regularly, sudden opioid withdrawal may be life-threatening if not treated the right way. Signs and symptoms include: seizures, crying more than usual, and increased reflexes.
These are not all of the possible side effects of NARCAN® Nasal Spray. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
NNS CON ISI 08/2020
Please see full Prescribing Information.
NARCAN® Nasal Spray is safe and effective in children for known or suspected opioid overdose.
Who should not use NARCAN® Nasal Spray?
Do not use NARCAN® Nasal Spray if you are allergic to naloxone hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in NARCAN® Nasal Spray.
What is the most important information I should know about NARCAN® Nasal Spray?
NARCAN® Nasal Spray is used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid medicines. The medicine in NARCAN® Nasal Spray has no effect in people who are not taking opioid medicines. Always carry NARCAN® Nasal Spray with you in case of an opioid overdose.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using NARCAN® Nasal Spray?
Before using NARCAN® Nasal Spray, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
What are the possible side effects of NARCAN® Nasal Spray?
NARCAN® Nasal Spray may cause serious side effects, including:
Sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms which can be severe. In someone who has been using opioids regularly, opioid withdrawal symptoms can happen suddenly after receiving NARCAN® Nasal Spray and may include:
Some patients may show aggressive behavior upon abrupt reversal of an opioid overdose.
In infants under 4 weeks old who have been receiving opioids regularly, sudden opioid withdrawal may be life-threatening if not treated the right way. Signs and symptoms include: seizures, crying more than usual, and increased reflexes.
These are not all of the possible side effects of NARCAN® Nasal Spray. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
NNS CON ISI 08/2020
Please see full Prescribing Information.