What is naloxone?

Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone can be quickly given through nasal spray (Narcan®) in the nose, or through an injectable or auto-injector into the outer thigh or another major muscle. Naloxone is safe and easy to use, works almost immediately, and is not addictive. Naloxone has very few negative effects, and has no effect if opioids are not in a person’s system.

• Who should carry naloxone?​
  
• Why carry naloxone?
  
• Where can you get naloxone?
  
• How do you store and dispose of naloxone?
  
• Naloxone training
  
• Laws and regulations
  
• ​California's statewide standing order for naloxone​
• Naloxone Grant Program
  
• Resources
  

Who should carry naloxone?

• Family and friends: If you or someone you know is at increased risk for opioid overdose, especially those with opioid use disorder (OUD), you should carry naloxone and keep it at home.
  

• People who are taking high-dose opioid medications (greater or equal to 50 morphine milligram equivalents per day) prescribed by a doctor, people who use opioids and benzodiazepines together, and people who use drugs, should all carry naloxone. Because you cannot use naloxone on yourself, let others know you have it in case you experience an opioid overdose.
  

Naloxone training

An important part of a naloxone distribution program is to provide training to individuals who may give naloxone. Listed below are training resources.

• Naloxone Training for Health Care Providers: ​Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers several naloxone training modules for health care providers. Earn continuing education credits (CE) after completing the full module.
  
• Administering Naloxone - Training Video (You Tube)
• Administración de Naloxona: video de capacitación en español ​(YouTube)​​​
  
• Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (webinar recording): Training for professionals who will be responsible for educating laypersons about opioid overdose and distributing naloxone in their community.
• Implementing Naloxone Distribution Systems (webinar recording): Training for program managers and others responsible for the implementation of naloxone distribution systems/OEND in their community.

Laws and regulations

California laws protect persons who give naloxone and make naloxone more readily available.

Good Samaritan Law

A person cannot be liable for any civil damages that result from his or her providing of emergency care, if:

1. The person acted in good faith, and not for compensation;
2. The person provided either emergency medical care or nonmedical care; and
3. The care was provided at the scene of an emergency.

Drug Overdose Treatment Liability Law

Eliminates civil and criminal liability for:

1. Licensed health care providers that prescribe naloxone and issue standing orders for the distribution of naloxone; and
2. Individuals that administer naloxone to someone suspected of experiencing an overdose after receiving it along with required training.​​
   

Calif​ornia's statewide s​tanding order for naloxone

The California State Public Health Officer has issued a CDPH statewide standing order to increase access to naloxone. Review the FAQs (PDF) ​and terms and conditions to determine if your organization or entity should apply here:

Naloxone Grant Program

California Senate Bill (SB) 833 (Chapter 30, Statutes of 2016) added Part 6.2, Section 1179.80 to the California Health & Safety Code to require the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to establish the Naloxone Grant Program. The goal of the program was to reduce the number of fatal overdoses in California from opioid drugs, including prescription opioids and heroin, by increasing access to the life-saving drug naloxone. The California Legislature allocated a one-time appropriation of $3 million from the General Fund in the Budget Act of 2016 to support this program through June 30, 2019. See the Naloxone Grant Program Final Report (PDF).

​ Resources

Clinicians

• When to Offer Naloxone to Patients (CDC, PDF): This fact sheet outlines factors that can put patients prescribed opioids or who use illicit opioids at a higher risk for opioid-related harms.
• When to Offer Naloxone to Patients in the Emergency Department (CDC, PDF): This fact sheet described for emergency department staff when to offer naloxone and highlights factors that can put patients at a higher risk for overdose.
• Talking About Naloxo​ne with Patients Prescribed Opioids (CDC, PDF): This guide offers tips to help providers communicate the benefits of naloxone to patients, family members​ and caregivers.

Healthcare Administrators

• Increase Naloxone Prescribing in your Health System (CDC, PDF): This fact sheet focuses on the role healthcare executives play in supporting training and education for clinicians on naloxone and opioid use disorder. Offers strategies to increase naloxone prescribing.

Pharmacists

• The Pharmacists' Role in Naloxone Dispensing (CDC, PDF): This fact sheet focuses on the role of pharmacists in naloxone dispensing including when to offer naloxone to patients.

Family Members and Caregivers

• What you Need to Know about Naloxone (CDC, PDF): This fact sheet provides general facts about naloxone including where to get it and how to prevent an overdose.
• How and When to Use Naloxone for an Opioid Overdose (CDC, PDF): This fact sheet discusses how to identify an overdose and use naloxone, and includes the side effects of naloxone.
• How to Save a Life with Naloxone (CDC, PDF): This guide offers examples to help you start a conversation with a clinician or pharmacist about how to obtain naloxone, when to use it and where to find training on giving naloxone.