Naloxone – Save a Life

Where can I get Naloxone?

Low-Cost Naloxone

• Your Local Pharmacy: The Utah Naloxone Standing Order allows pharmacists to distribute naloxone to anyone without needing a prescription. You can purchase Naloxone at most pharmacies, either with insurance co-pay or out of pocket. Each kit differs in price and insurance coverage, but most range from $45 to $175 out of pocket.

Free Naloxone

• Utah County Health Department Prevention Program: Some local agencies and organizations offer Naloxone kits for free to individuals who are unable to pay the pharmacy cost. Call 801-851-7139 to receive a free training on naloxone, including receiving a no-cost naloxone kit. You can also email mekelj@utahcounty.gov.
• Participating Utah County City Libraries: Many city libraries in Utah County can provide naloxone at no cost. Ask if your library has a naloxone program. Staff will share some basic information about using naloxone and give you a kit.
  
  • American Fork Library
    64 S 100 E, American Fork, UT 84003
    Phone: (801) 763-3070
    
  • Eagle Mountain City Library
    1650 Stagecoach Run, Eagle Mountain, UT 84005
    Phone: (801) 789-6623
    
  • Salem City Library
    59 S Main St, Salem, UT 84653
    Phone: (801) 423-2622
    
  • Saratoga Springs Library
    1307 Commerce Dr. Suite 140, Saratoga Springs, UT 84045
    Phone: (801) 766-6513
    
  • Spanish Fork Library
    49 S Main St, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
    Phone: (801) 804-4480
    
• Utah Naloxone: Visit Utah Naloxone or call 385-495-9050 for no-cost naloxone kits. Online trainings and mailed naloxone kits available.
  
• To learn more about naloxone and where to get it, visit: www.naloxone.utah.gov

What is Naloxone?

What is naloxone? Naloxone is an opioid antagonist – a drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.  Naloxone has been nicknamed the “Lazarus Drug” because it can bring an individual who is no longer breathing, “back from the dead.”  However, naloxone only works for an OPIOID overdose. It will not work on any other substance or overdose. 

How does it work?

Opioids are prescription medications such as Lortab, Percocet, or Vicodin, usually given by a doctor to help with pain. Heroin is also an opioid. Opioids bind to receptors in the brain that are in charge of sending pain signals throughout the body. This is why opioids work well for pain management. Opioids block pain receptors from sending signals so that the body no longer feels pain.  However, when too many of those receptors are bound, our central nervous system starts to slow down, which means an individual’s breathing will begin to slow and could decrease all together. That is how an opioid overdose can become fatal.

Naloxone removes the opioids from the pain receptors and binds to those same receptors, essentially restoring regular central nervous system functioning. The effects of the naloxone could last for 30-90 minutes, at which the individual is at risk of re-overdosing if the opioids have not faded out of the individuals system.

What are the side effects?

Naloxone is non-psychoactive, meaning it cannot be used to become impaired.  Side effects from naloxone are rare, however, individuals report immediate withdrawal symptoms after administration, that vary based on individual and substance.  Naloxone can be used on adults, children, and animals if an opioid overdose is suspected.  Some overdose incidents require multiple doses of naloxone to be administered to reverse the overdose. 

Types of Naloxone

There are three types of naloxone that a community member can use, based on individual preference, insurance, and price. 

1. Manual (Intramuscular)
2. Narcan (Nasal)
3. Atomizer (Nasal)

All types of naloxone come in kits with two doses each.  Each kit should be stored in room temperature and disposed of properly when expired.  All types of naloxone are equal in effectiveness, but vary in ease of use and price.

Training videos are available here.

Where can I find out more about opioids?

• Stop the Opidemic
• Use Only As Directed
• Know Your Script
• Easy Ways to Improve Opioid Safety
• How to Prevent an Opioid Overdose

Resources for Overcoming Drug Dependency

• Visit United Way 211 for treatment options. 
  You can also download the app or call 2-1-1.