Naloxone
Naloxone (Narcan/Prenoxad) is a life-saving medication that quickly reverses an opioid overdose, for example an overdose of heroin, oxies, fentanyl, or nitazenes. It is available for free without a prescription for anyone who may need to respond to an overdose. If someone does not have any opioids in your system, it won’t affect them.
How to spot an opioid overdose?
If you see these signs, call 999. Place the person in the recovery position, administer naloxone, and wait until the ambulance arrives.
Sudden collapse
Especially after smoking/injecting a drug.
Unresponsive
The person doesn’t respond when you call their name or nudge them to wake up.
Blue lips
Lips or fingernails turning blue is a sign that they aren’t getting enough oxygen.
Difficulty breathing
Shallow breaths, snoring or gurgling is a sign the person’s lungs aren’t functioning properly.
Pinpoint pupils
Constricted pupils is a common effect of heroin and other opioids.
Pale skin
Clammy and pale skin is a common warning sign that someone is unwell.
How does naloxone work?
Naloxone binds to the opioid receptors in nerve cells stronger than most opioids. However, unlike opioids, naloxone doesn’t activate the receptor. This allows naloxone to kick opioids off their receptors and stop their effects. In overdose events, this means naloxone can quickly reverse respiratory depression and restore normal breathing, potentially saving a life.
Take a look at the slideshow below to see how opioids block nerve signals, and how naloxone can restore them:
Where can I get naloxone?
Naloxone can be accessed for free by anyone who may come into contact with people at risk of an opioid overdose. Naloxone training is a short and simple process to make sure you know how to spot and respond to an opioid overdose. You can access naloxone training in-person from your local drug service or harm reduction hub, or online. Some regions in the UK operate ‘click and deliver’ services where you can order naloxone for delivery to your home.
Naloxone click-and-deliver coverage
Some regions in the UK operate ‘click and deliver’ services where you can order naloxone for delivery to your home. Click the tabs below to see if a service can deliver to you.
There are currently no nationwide click and deliver services in England. However, several drug and alcohol services provide click and deliver take-home naloxone services in certain areas of England. Click the buttons below to find out if they can deliver to you.
Barod and DAN 24/7 operate nationwide click and deliver services for take-home naloxone in Wales/Cymru.
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs (SFAD) operate a nationwide click and deliver service for take-home naloxone in Scotland.
