Naloxone injection

What is this medicine?

NALOXONE (nal OX one) is a narcotic blocker. It is used to treat narcotic (opioid) drug overdose. It is used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid medicines. This medicine has no effect in people who are not taking opioid medicines.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine may be administered in a hospital, clinic, or can be used by the public to give aid to a person who has overdosed until emergency medical help is available. This medicine is for injection into the outer thigh. It can be injected through clothing if needed. Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of this medicine, even if the person wakes up. You should be familiar with how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a narcotic overdose. Administer according to the printed instructions on the device label or the electronic voice instructions. You should practice using the Trainer injector before this medicine is needed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborn for selected conditions, precautions do apply. For infants less than 1 year of age, pinch the thigh muscle while administering.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• high blood pressure

• pain that was controlled by narcotic pain medicine

• seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• anxious

• chills

• diarrhea

• fever

• nausea, vomiting

• sweating

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine is only used during an emergency. No interactions are expected during emergency use.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Keep this medicine in its outer case until ready to use. Occasionally check the solution through the viewing window of the injector. The solution should be clear. If it is discolored, cloudy, or contains solid particles, replace it with a new injector. Remember to check the expiration date of this medicine regularly. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• drug abuse or addiction

• heart disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to naloxone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnantbreast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Keep this medicine ready for use in the case of a narcotic overdose. Make sure that you have the phone number of your doctor or health care professional and local hospital ready. You may need to have additional doses of this medicine. Each injector contains a single dose. Some emergencies may require additional doses.

After use, bring the treated person to the nearest hospital or call 911. Make sure the treating health care professional knows that the person has received an injection of this medicine. You will receive additional instructions on what to do during and after use of this medicine before an emergency occurs.