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What is Naloxone?

  • Opioid antagonist ("blocker") which reverses opioid overdose

  • Can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or intranasal

  • Only works for about 30-90 minutes

  • Causes sudden withdrawal in the opioid dependent person - an unpleasant experience

  • Has no effect if an opioid is not present 

  • Negative side effects from Naloxone are very rare

  • Naloxone can't get you high

  • Naloxone can't cause an overdose

  • No one can develop tolerance to naloxone

  • Naloxone saves lives

  • Learn more at harmreduction.org

How Does it Work?

The brain has many receptors for opioids.  An overdose occurs when too much of any opioid fits in too many receptors slowing and then stopping the breathing.  Naloxone has a stronger affinity to the opioid receptors than opioids so it strips the opioids off the receptors for a short time.  This allows the person to breathe again.

Before

Opioid

After

Naloxone

Who Can Carry Naloxone?

  • Anyone! Upon training, we issue a business-sized card, which states the person holding naloxone is trained to use the antidote and is legally permitted to carry it.  

  • The Solace Foundation operates under a standing order model. Dr. David Deyhimy assumes full prescribing authority and clinical oversight.

  • Under the provisions of Assembly Bill 635, individuals are permitted to possess and administer naloxone in an emergency, and are protected from civil or criminal prosecution.

  • Assembly Bill 1535, signed into California Law in September 2014 by Governor Jerry Brown, permits pharmacists to furnish the opiate overdose reversal medicine naloxone hydrochloride upon request.

911 Good Samaritan Law

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In 2013, California joined the growing number of states to implement a law to protect those in need of medical services and those seeking medical services for another person.

 

AB 472, California’s 911 Good Samaritan law, states:

 

“It shall not be a crime for any person who experiences a drug-related overdose, as defined, who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance, or any other person who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for the person experiencing a drug related overdose, to be under the influence of, or to possess for personal use, a controlled substance, controlled substance analog, or drug paraphernalia, under certain circumstances related to a drug-related overdose that prompted seeking medical assistance if that person does not obstruct medical or law enforcement personnel.”

What is an opioid?

OPIOIDS:

  • Heroin

  • Morphine

  • Methadone

  • OxyContin

  • Oxycodone

  • Hydrocodone

  • Fentanyl

NOT OPIOIDS:

  • Cocaine or crack

  • Methamphetamines

  • Benzodiazephines

  • Phenergan

  • Seroquel

  • Neurontin

  • Muscle Relaxants

  • Alcohol

Many overdoses contain one or more of the drugs on the right, in combination with opioids. Naloxone is still to be administered!!

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