What is naloxone?​

​Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, including fentanyl, heroin 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.

Where to get naloxone?

Narcan® nasal spray is available without a prescription at many pharmacies, convenience stores, grocery stores and online.

Is there any liability if I assist someone who is overdosing?

No. California has two laws that protect individuals against liability when responding to an opioid overdose.

California’s Good Samaritan Law (Health and Safety Code § 1799.102) establishes that a person cannot be liable for any civil damages that result from providing of emergency care, such as reversing an overdose, if:

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

Naloxone Resources

• Who should carry naloxone?
• Why carry naloxone?
  
• How do you store and dispose of naloxone?​
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Harm reduction is an approach to working with people who use drugs that aims to reduce harm rather than eliminate risk. Harm reduction offers resources for safer and managed drug use to help prevent death, injury, disease and overdose. Below is a list of harm reduction strategies and resources for people who use drugs. 

• Always carry naloxone
  
• Test your drugs for fentanyl with fentanyl test strips
  
• Use sterile syringes when injecting drugs
  
• Do not mix drugs
• Do not use drugs alone
• Find treatment and support​​​​