SENATE BILL 15-053 ACCESS TO THE LIFE-SAVING DRUG NALOXONE

Naloxone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent overdose death caused by opioids such as heroin, morphine, hydrocodone (Vicodin), and oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet). 

It reverses an overdose by counteracting the effect opioids have on the central nervous and respiratory systems. 

When a person has overdosed on opioids, their breathing will slow and could stop. Naloxone will reverse the effect of the opioid and allow a person to resume breathing. 

Naloxone has no effect on someone who has no opioids in their system, it does not cause a high, and is not addictive. However, naloxone only works to reverse an opioid overdose for 30 to 90 minutes. 

After administering naloxone, it is essential to call 911 and for the overdose victim to seek medical attention.

It is advisable to administer naloxone and call 911 immediately if there is any suspicion of opioid overdose, even if the person is believed to be using other drugs, or the drug is unknown. Administering naloxone in these situations can help prevent irreversible harm.

Many non-opioid drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as pills obtained from the illicit drug market, have been found to be contaminated with opioids like illicitly manufactured fentanyl. 

Additionally, some people may use opioids in conjunction with other substances. This increases the risk of unintentional opioid overdose, particularly for individuals who do not typically use opioids. Therefore, it is essential to recognize that even if a person does not think they are using opioids, they may still be at increased likelihood of experiencing an opioid overdose if the drugs they are using are contaminated with opioids such as illicitly manufactured fentanyl. 

Refer to the Directions for Use on the Packaging. 

1. Peel back the package to remove the device.
2. Hold the device with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and two fingers on the nozzle.
3. Place and hold the tip of the nozzle in either nozzle until your fingers touch the bottom of the person's nose.
4. Press the plunger firmly to release the dose into the patient's nose.
5. Call 911 immediately. 
6. Read the directions for use to determine in another dose needs to be given.

Important Tips: 

• Do not wait for an emergency, familiarize yourself with what to do in advance.
• Watch the link below before an emergency arises.

EVERYONE!

Anyone can carry naloxone to help respond to an overdose. It is not just for people with an opioid or other substance use disorder. 

Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, with opioids being the most common drug. The CDC currently estimates more than 1000 emergency department visits daily related to the misuse of opioids and about 91 opioid overdose deaths every day.

Having naloxone available allows family members, friends, and bystanders to help save lives by preventing a fatal overdose.

If you or someone you know is at increased risk for opioid overdose, especially those struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD), you should carry naloxone and keep it at home.

Click below for a listing of State Opioid Treatment Authorities (SOTA) by state in alphabetical order.