Naloxone, which is more commonly known by its brand name Narcan, is a medication that is used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it binds to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system and blocks the action of opioids such as heroin, morphine, and prescription painkillers like oxycodone.

Opioids can cause respiratory depression, a life-threatening health issue that decreases – to the point of eliminating – a person’s innate drive to breath and causes oxygen deprivation, coma, or even death if not addressed. Naloxone counteracts the dangerous respiratory depression that characterizes an overdose, allowing the individual to breathe normally again. Due to its critical role in combating the opioid crisis, naloxone has become an essential tool for first responders, healthcare professionals, and bystanders when treating an opioid overdose. However, it is important to note that naloxone is not a treatment for opioid use disorder.

Naloxone is available both over-the-counter and as a prescription. It is sold in the form of an injectable solution, as a pre-filled auto-injector, and as a nasal spray (sold under the brand names Narcan and Kloxxado).

Naloxone is considered to be a safe harm-reduction measure by the medical community, as it does not cause harm if administered to someone who does not have opioids in their system and has minimal side effects. Common side effects of naloxone include headaches and joint or muscle pain, while less common side effects include discomfort in the nose, stomach ache, or dizziness.

Naloxone may also trigger symptoms of opioid withdrawal as it reverses the effects of opioids within the patient’s system. Opioid withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Irritability
  
• Body aches
  
• Tearing
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Nausea
  
• Fever
  
• Chills
  
• Goosebumps
  
• Sneezing
  
• Runny nose
  
  Seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms or problems while using naloxone.

Be sure to inform the prescribing doctor or health care professional about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with naloxone.

Naloxone is sold as a pre-filled auto-injection or as a small, pre-filled nasal spray bottle with a nozzle and plunger.

To administer naloxone auto-injection, follow the printed instructions on the device label. The injection should be injected under the skin or into a muscle. It can be administered through clothing if necessary. You should administer another injection every 2 to 3 minutes until the patient responds or until emergency medical assistance arrives.

To administer naloxone nasal spray to someone who is overdosing, follow the instructions on the device and place the nozzle into the patient’s nostril, then press the plunger down to spray. It’s recommended that the spray is administered every 2 to 3 minutes, alternating nostrils, until the patient responds or until emergency medical assistance becomes available.

Naloxone should be administered to anyone who appears to be overdosing. Symptoms of an opioid overdose include the following:

• Slowed or stopped breathing
  
• Blue or purple lips or nails
  
• Pinpoint pupils
  
• Cold and clammy skin
  
• Pale or ashen skin
  
• Extreme sleepiness or unresponsiveness
  
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
  
• Choking or gurgling sounds
  
  

It is important to administer naloxone immediately if someone is displaying these symptoms or if an overdose is suspected. After you’ve administered Narcan, you should call 911 right away. If you’re unsure if someone is overdosing from a drug other than opioids, it is still best to administer Narcan since it does not have any impact on people who are not under the influence of opioids.

Naloxone should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Although Sesame providers do not prescribe opioids or any other controlled substances virtually, they can prescribe Narcan as an overdose prevention measure. If you or a loved one have a history of opioid addiction or overdose or have been prescribed high-dose opioids and would like to discuss Narcan with a healthcare professional, you can book an appointment with a Sesame telehealth doctor and get the care you need.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

While naloxone is approved for OTC sale as of March 29, 2023, Narcan's manufacturer estimates that it will be commercialized and widely available by late summer of 2023. In the meantime, it will continue to be available via prescription.

Looking for a prescription? Good news! Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. If you or a loved one has recently been prescribed high-dose opioids or is struggling with opioid addiction, book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not naloxone is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.