Narcan (Naloxone)
What is it?
Narcan is an opioid antagonist drug that is used as an antidote to treat respiratory depression caused by an overdose of natural or synthetic opioids such as oxycodone, heroin, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, etc. According to the Overdose Prevention Agency Corporation, each year prescription opioid overdose takes the lives of over 16,000 people. Narcan is an essential tool in preventing these deaths and it affects the family, friends, and community of the people it saves.
How does it work?
Narcan removes the opioid from its receptor in the case of an overdose. It is given as an intramuscular injection or intranasal mist. The effects of the drug start within 5 minutes but only last for 30 to 90 minutes. Some long acting opioids such as methadone and OxyContin require more doses of Narcan because their effects can last after the initial Narcan dose wears off.
How to access
The Opioid Antidote and Overdose Prevention Act of 2013 allowed the development of free training programs that would allow bystanders to administer Narcan in the event of an opioid overdose
It can also be prescribed by doctors. The act protects prescribers and individuals who administer Narcan from criminal and civil liability in the event that they use the drug to help someone who is overdosing.
3,876 lives have already been saved in New Jersey from Narcan
Opioid Overdose Prevention Program free trainings:
The Overdose Protection Agency Coorporation (TOPAC), 1540 Kuser Rd, Suite A-2, Hamilton, NJ 08619, 609-581-0600
JSAS Health Care, 685 Neptune Blvd., Suite 101, Neptune, NJ 07753, 732-988-8877
Ocean Mental Health Services, 160 Route 9, Bayville, NJ 08721
Daytop Ocean County Outpatient Program, 399 Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Urban Treatment Associates, 808 Market St., Camden, NJ 08101, 856-225-0505
Additional Information