What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by blocking the receptors in the brain that are responsible for the dangerous effects of opioids. It is available in both injectable and intranasal formulations, and is used primarily by emergency response personnel and in community-based overdose prevention programs. It is safe, effective, and has no potential for misuse or dependence.

Naloxone can save lives.

Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Overdose deaths from opioids, including fentanyl, have been on the rise in recent years, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that more than 72,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses in 2017. Naloxone helps prevent these deaths by blocking the receptors in the brain that respond to opioids and allowing the person to regain consciousness. It is the only known medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and is a critical tool in the fight against opioid-related overdoses.

The importance of making naloxone widely available.

It is important that naloxone be readily available in order to combat opioid overdoses. Laws and policies have been enacted in many states in the U.S. to increase access to naloxone, including making it available without a prescription, providing public access to naloxone from community pharmacies and other distribution points, and increasing training for healthcare providers and community-based organizations. The FDA has also approved several naloxone products for use in preventing opioid overdose. By making naloxone widely available and increasing the number of people trained to respond to an opioid overdose, we can save more lives and help reduce the number of opioid-related deaths.