August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day
August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, so take a moment to learn about Naloxone and share this information that could save someone’s life.
Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. The drug is considered an opioid antagonist, which means that it attaches to the opioid in the system reverses then blocks the effects of the opioid. Naloxone can quickly restore breathing to a person who’s breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Naloxone has no effect to someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not considered a treatment for opioid use..
There are a number of means to obtaining Naloxone in NC. Some forms of Naloxone are available over-the-counter (OTC) at many physical and online retailers. Naloxone is also available under the statewide standing order through participating pharmacies if you choose a non-OTC form of Naloxone or would like to utilize your prescription coverage for Naloxone, if available. It is up to each individual pharmacy to decide whether to dispense Naloxone under the statewide standing order or under a separate standing order. You can contact your local pharmacy to determine whether it is currently dispensing Naloxone under a standing order.
If you are not able to obtain Naloxone through a standing order at a pharmacy, you have other options to obtain Naloxone. You may seek a prescription for Naloxone from a health care provider. You may also get Naloxone at some local health departments or syringe services programs.
In response to the continuing opioid crisis, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) seeks to make Naloxone more widely available, particularly to individuals and communities at highest risk of opioid overdose. The purpose of this form is for organizations to submit requests for Naloxone to be provided by DHHS for distribution to individuals at high-risk of opioid overdose or those that may be in a position to assist in an overdose situation.
If you or someone you know is at risk of experiencing or witnessing a drug overdose, call 336-242-2510 and ask about how to receive a Naloxone rescue kit.
{Image: Public Use} Narcan Nasal Spray was designed to rapidly reverse the effects of a life-threatening opioid emergency.
