Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. There are three FDA-approved formulations of naloxone, but the most commonly-used and accessible form is used as a nasal spray, more commonly referred to as NARCAN®.  NARCAN® is the brand name, nasal spray form of Naloxone. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is a prefilled, needle-free device that requires no assembly and is sprayed into one nostril while patients lay on their back. Naloxone and NARCAN are often used as synonymous terms.

How does it work?
Naloxone is as revolutionary as an EpiPen is for an allergic reaction. When administered to a person who is experiencing an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and body, completely detaching the opioids from receptors in the brain. In a matter of minutes, naloxone will restore breathing, thus preventing death.

How to Respond to an Overdose?
1: Identify Overdose: if the individual is not breathing or struggling to breathe, first try calling their name and rubbing your knuckles on their breast bone (chest center). If they are still unresponsive they may be experiencing an overdose. Other overdose signs are: blue or pale skin color (usually the lips and fingernails turn blue first), small pupils, slow breathing, snoring sound, and/or gasping for breath.
2: Call 9-1-1, stay on the line
3: Give Naloxone (NARCAN Nasal Spray) according to package directions and/or training (see below)
4: Give Rescue Breaths if Naloxone doesn’t restore breathing (9-1-1 operator can guide you)
5: Stay until help arrives

Is It Safe?
Yes. Naloxone only works if a person has opioids in their system; the medication has no effect if opioids are absent. Naloxone is only active in the body for 30 to 90 minutes, meaning that a second or even third application of Naloxone might be needed. Emergency responders should be on the scene before this becomes an issue.

Good Samaritan Law

Some individuals may fear that police responding to a 9-1-1 call will result in criminal charges for themselves or for the person who overdosed. Those fears should NEVER stop anyone from calling 9-1-1 immediately. The Good Samaritan Law provides legal protection against criminal charges and prosecution for possession of controlled substances. This protection applies for both the person overdosing, and the person providing assistance in good faith that called for emergency help. Note: Class A-1 drug felonies, as well as sale or intent to sell controlled substances, are not covered by the Good Samaritan Law.

Get Trained
Anyone can be trained in how to administer NARCAN, and it is a rather quick process to become trained. Family & Children’s Counseling Services (FCCS) provides free Narcan trainings and kits for clients and community members. Since COVID-19, FCCS has adapted and can provide training via zoom, phone call, and/or in person. For more information, call (607)753-0234. You can also reach them by email at COTI@FamilyCS.org.

Where Can I Get Naloxone?
As stated above, FCCS offers free Narcan kits to those in need. The COTI Program is a mobile treatment team that meets with an individual with a substance use disorder, or their loved one, anywhere in the community. The purpose is to start them on the path to recovery and to provide links to appropriate services. The COTI Program also helps get naloxone in the hands of those that need it the most. For a complete list of community agencies that distribute naloxone click here.

Individuals who feel they, or a loved one, are at risk for an overdose can get naloxone in most pharmacies without bringing in a prescription (there are standing orders). For a list of participating pharmacies see click here. The NYS Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP) provides some financial assistance to help offset the cost of the co-pay.

Next Steps
If you are worried about yourself, a loved one, a neighbor, or would like to be proactive, get trained administer naloxone or reach out to the COTI program to speak with someone about your unique situation. COTI staff are available weekdays 9-5pm excluding holidays.