Narcan (injection)

Narcan (injection)

Narcan (injection)

What is Naloxone?

This medicine should not be used as a substitute for emergency medical care in the event of an overdose.

Naloxone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Naloxone side effects

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Because naloxone reverses the effects of opioids, this medication may cause sudden withdrawal symptoms such as:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps;

• Fever, sneezing, sweating, body aches, weakness;

• shaking or shivering, fast heartbeat, palpitations, increased blood pressure;

• Goose flesh;

• runny nose, yawning; or

• feeling nervous, restless or irritable.

Sudden withdrawal symptoms in a baby under 4 weeks old can be life-threatening if not treated properly.Symptoms include unusual crying, stiffness, overactive reflexes and seizures. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you are not sure how to properly give this medicine to a baby.

Common Narcan side effects may include:

• nausea, dizziness;

• redness of the skin at the injection site;

• feeling lightheaded; or

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Naloxone is used to reverse the effects of opioid medications and treat an opioid overdose.An opioid overdose can be fatal.Symptoms may include severe sleepiness, small pupils, slow breathing, or breathlessness.

A caregiver may give you naloxone if you stop breathing or don't wake up. Make sure everyone you care for knows where you keep naloxone and how to use it.

After giving a naloxone injection, your provider will need to get emergency help and may need to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on you while waiting for help to arrive.You may need another injection every 2 to 3 minutes until emergency help arrives.

Before you take this medicine

You should not be treated with naloxone if you are allergic to it.

If possible, tell your doctor before receiving a naloxone injection if:

• You have heart problems.

If you take opioid medications during pregnancy, your baby may be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and may require medical treatment for several weeks.

Using a naloxone injection during pregnancy may also cause opioid withdrawal symptoms in your unborn child.However, an opioid overdose can be fatal for both mother and child.It is much more important to treat an overdose in the mother. After using a naloxone injection, you must seek urgent medical attention.Make sure all emergency medical care providers know that you are pregnant and that any doctor treating you knows that you have received this medicine.

Ask a doctor whether breast-feeding is safe while using this medication.

How is naloxone administered?

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instructions for use. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Naloxone is injected into a muscle, under the skin, or into a vein. The injection can be administered by a healthcare provider, an emergency room physician, or a family member or caregiver trained to properly administer a naloxone injection.

Naloxone is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

If you are a caregiver or family member, read all instructions the first time you receive this medicine. If available, practice giving an injection using the “trainer” device so you know how to do it in an emergency. If you have any questions, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Seek immediate medical attention if an accidental needlestick injury occurs.

Make sure you know how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose in the person you care for. Symptoms of an overdose may include:

• slowed breathing or no breathing;

• very small or pinpoint pupils in the eyes;

• slow heartbeat; or

• extreme sleepiness, especially if you cannot wake the person from sleep.

Even if you are not sure whether you have an opioid overdose,If the person is not breathing or unresponsive, give the naloxone injection immediatelyand then seek emergency medical attention.

Do not assume that an overdose episode has ended if symptoms improve. Even after a naloxone injection, your caregiver must urgently get help, even if the person wakes up. You may need to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the person while you wait for emergency help to arrive.

The naloxone injection is given into the outside of the thigh. In an emergency, you can give the person an injection through their clothing.

After injecting naloxone, stay with the person and monitor for persistent signs of overdose. You may need to give another injection every 2 to 3 minutes until emergency help arrives. Read and follow the instructions that come with this medicine carefully.

Throw away a prefilled syringe after one use, even if it still contains medicine.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat and light. Keep the auto-injector in its outer case until you are ready to use it.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Naloxone is used as needed and does not have a daily dosage.

What happens if I overdose?

Because naloxone is administered at the correct dose in a single-dose autoinjector, overdose is unlikely.

What should I avoid when using naloxone?

Avoid leaving a person alone after giving them a naloxone injection. An opioid overdose can affect a person's thinking or reactions.

What other drugs affect naloxone?

Other medications can affect naloxone, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.