What is Narcan?

Narcan is the brand name of the nasal spray form of Naloxone, a prescription drug used to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. This lifesaving medication (also known as NARCAN) is designed to counter the effects of a potentially fatal opioid overdose if it is administered soon enough. In cases where a person has overdosed on opioids, Narcan is the life-saving medication of choice. It blocks the effects of opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine. It reverses the potential life-threatening respiratory depression caused by an opioid overdose, in as little as two minutes.

Opioid Overdoses and the Need for Narcan

Opioid overdoses are an epidemic in the United States. Every day, approximately 115 people in the United States die from an opioid overdose, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioid overdoses are the most commonly reported form of drug-related deaths in the United States and the most preventable.

Narcan can be the deciding factor between life and death. It is currently used by health care professionals, families and friends of opioid users, and first responders. In some areas, Narcan is even available without a prescription in retail pharmacies, allowing a prompt response in the event of an opioid overdose.

Decreasing Fatalities with Narcan

Narcan has saved countless lives since it was approved for administering nasal spray naloxone by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2015. Organizations that distribute Narcan have reported a decrease in opioid-related deaths. A 2016 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that in the states with mandatory prescriptions of Narcan, overdoses were reduced by 10%.

The good news is that more and more people are becoming aware of the potential risks of opioid overdose and the lifesaving ability of Narcan. As more people understand the importance of Narcan in saving lives, access to the medication and knowledge of how to use it will continue to increase. Narcan is a vital and simple tool that has saved many lives and has the potential to save even more.