Addiction is a treatable disease, not a character flaw. Prevention is possible and recovery comes in many forms to meet people where they are. This includes support groups, harm reduction kits, overdose reversal kits, medication-assisted treatment, medicine to help with cravings and withdrawal, counseling, and more.
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Narcan — Save a Life
Narcan (Naloxone), is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose when given in time. Some people call it an overdose reversal kit. Narcan blocks the effects of heroin, fentanyl and other prescription medications. Narcan won’t harm a person who is overdosing on drugs other than opioids.
- If you think someone is overdosing, give them Narcan and call 911.
- Wait about three minutes for the Narcan to start working.
- If the person has not improved after three minutes, give them a second dose.
- Narcan is not a substitute for emergency medical care
Anyone receiving Narcan for an overdose needs immediate medical attention. For someone whose breath has slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose, Narcan can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes. However, this is only a temporary effect that can last 30 to 90 minutes.
How to Use Narcan Nasal Spray
You and your family members or caregivers should read the Instructions for Use that comes with NARCAN Nasal Spray before using it. Talk to your healthcare provider if you and your family members or caregivers have any questions about the use of NARCAN Nasal Spray.
Use NARCAN Nasal Spray for known or suspected opioid overdose in adults and children.
Important: For use in the nose only.
- Do not remove or test the NARCAN Nasal Spray until ready to use.
- Each NARCAN Nasal Spray has 1 dose and cannot be reused.
- You do not need to prime NARCAN Nasal Spray.
Steps
Lay the person on their back to receive a dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray.
Remove NARCAN Nasal Spray from the box.
Peel back the tab with the circle to open the NARCAN Nasal Spray.
Note: NARCAN Nasal Spray freezes at temperatures below 5°F (-15°C). If this happens, the device will not spray. Get emergency medical help right away if this happens. Do not wait for NARCAN Nasal Spray to thaw. NARCAN Nasal Spray may still be used if it has been thawed after being previously frozen.
Hold the NARCAN Nasal Spray with your thumb on the bottom of the red plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under the neck with your hand. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose.
Press the red plunger firmly to give the dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray.
Remove the NARCAN Nasal Spray from the nostril after giving the dose.
What to do after NARCAN Nasal Spray has been used:
Get emergency medical help right away. Move the person on their side (recovery position) after giving NARCAN Nasal Spray.
- Watch the person closely.
- If the person does not respond by waking up, to voice or touch, or breathing normally another dose may be given. NARCAN Nasal Spray may be dosed every 2 to 3 minutes, if available.
- Repeat Steps 2 through 6 using a new NARCAN Nasal Spray to give another dose in the other nostril. If additional NARCAN Nasal Sprays are available, Steps 2 through 6 may be repeated every 2 to 3 minutes until the person responds or emergency medical help is received.
Throw away (dispose of) the used NARCAN Nasal Spray in a place that is away from children.
How should I store NARCAN Nasal Spray?
- Store below 77°F (25°C).
- Excursions permitted up to 104°F (40°C).
- Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat above 104°F (40°C).
- Keep NARCAN Nasal Spray in the box until ready to use. Protect from light.
- Replace NARCAN Nasal Spray before the expiration date on the box.
- Keep NARCAN Nasal Spray and all medicines out of the reach of children.
For more information, go to www.narcannasalspray.com or call 1-844-4NARCAN (1-844- 462-7226).
Download How to Use Narcan Instructions (PDF)
How to Use Narcan Injectable
Anyone without medical training or authorization can use a Narcan injectable for a known or suspected overdose.
Important: For use in the shoulder or thigh.
Remove cap from the vial.
Turn the vial upside down and place needle into the rubber stopper in vial.
Draw all of the naloxone into the syringe by pulling back on the needle’s plunger.
Be sure the needle fills with liquid – not air.
Insert needle all the way into the shoulder or thigh muscle.
Push down on the plunger until the syringe is empty.
Resources for Recovery
The following list includes resources for adults, youth and parents.
Find Narcan/Naloxone
Access information on obtaining emergency medication kits to help reverse opioid overdoses and save lives.
- Community Health Paramedics – Opioid Use Disorder Support Program Response Team: 911
- Communities for Recovery: 512-758-7686 | [email protected]
- Community Medical Services: 512-339-9757 | 305 Ferguson Dr, Austin, 78753
- Integral Care: 512-472-HELP (4357) | [email protected]
- MoreNarcanPlease.comMoreNarcanPlease.com: 210-450-8955 | [email protected]
- NICE Project: 4430 Menchaca Rd. or 1010 E. Cesar Chavez
- SAFE Alliance: 512-267-7233 | www.safeaustin.org/chat
- Sobering Center Sobering Center– 6th Street Team Outreach: 512-957-1900 | [email protected]
- Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center – 24 Hour Narcan Vending Machine: 512-368-2685 | 4430 Menchaca Rd, Austin, 78745
- Texas Harm Reduction Alliance: 512-585-7145 | [email protected]
- The Other Ones Foundation: 512-568-7557 | [email protected]
- Trinity Center Austin: 512-610-3500
- Urban Alchemy: 512-978-9220
- WorkingGroup512: [email protected]
- Vivent Health: 512-458-2437
Related
Learn the Dangers
Fentanyl is a lethal opioid that is more deadly than heroin. Every time you take an opioid, you roll the dice.
Know the Signs
Learn how to tell if a person is overdosing, or just very high.
