DAY 5: Nalaxone
Overdoses don’t have to be fatal! Take the HRAC Naloxone Pledge.
Learn how Naloxone works, where to get it, and how to use it to save a life. Then take the HRAC Naloxone Pledge, and commit to being a force for positive change in Colorado.
“If you walk on earth or in Denver, we need you carrying naloxone today.”
— Lisa Raville | Executive Director, Harm Reduction Action Center
While people who use drugs are the true first responders in this overdose crisis, ANYONE can save a life during an opioid overdose with naloxone, a front-line defense in the opioid crisis. Naloxone can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. It is safe and non addictive. Because overdoses can happen anywhere, naloxone is designed to be used by anyone, even a bystander.
It should be available everywhere—in restaurants, bars, concert venues, public transportation, universities, schools, public restrooms, and all other places where fentanyl and opioids are present (which is any place that people are).
Until that happens, everyone should carry naloxone, and know how to administer it (it’s easy!).
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is sold under the brand name Narcan®, as well as other brands.
Naloxone is a life-saving drug that, when sprayed into the nose or injected, quickly reverses the powerful effects of opioids during an overdose.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids.
Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose. Examples of opioids include fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, heroin, and morphine.
Note: naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system. It will not hurt them. (You can’t mess this up!)
Where can I get Naloxone?
At a pharmacy
Over 470 pharmacies in Colorado carry Naloxone, and you don’t need a prescription. When purchased through a pharmacy, most major insurances cover it — ask your local pharmacist.
Local health department
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) will provide Naloxone to Denver residents for free! DDPHE has seen a huge increase in demand for free Naloxone this year. That’s a good thing!
Have it shipped
If you live in a rural area and/or are at especially high risk (you use drugs or know someone who does), you can even have naloxone mailed directly to your home.
Know the signs of opioid overdose:
✔ Breathing is slow or nonexistent
✔ Gurgling sound
✔ Not responsive to stimulation (tap of the foot, or a sternal rub)
✔ Blue or gray tinge to the skin of the lips or fingertips
✔ Slow or no heartbeat
✔ Muscle spasming, locked limbs, and a rigid chest
Why do people overdose?
Accidental overdoses can happen because:
The drug taken was different to what was expected. Our street drug supply is unregulated and unpredictable.
Lowered tolerance caused by any period of abstinence (such as coming out of jail, prison, treatment, or recovery).
Mixing (opioids + benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax, or alcohol + opioids).
Using alone.
Take the Naxolone Pledge
Take the pledge by committing to the 3 steps below.
You have the power to save lives!
Watch this video to learn how to administer Naloxone.
1
Get Naloxone and start carrying it with you daily.
2
Share this page to teach about how to save lives with Naloxone.