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La naloxona salva vidas. Téngala a mano.

Si cree que alguien está sufriendo una sobredosis, llame inmediatamente al 9-1-1 y adminístrele naloxona.

We all can play a role in reducing drug overdose deaths. Even if you don’t use drugs or you don’t know of anyone who does, you can still be prepared for an overdose emergency.

Anyone, using any street drug, in any quantity, can accidentally overdose. That’s because fentanyl (an opioid 50x stronger than heroin) is present all throughout today’s drug supply, mixed into everything from heroin to cocaine to fake prescription pills.

All it takes is a tiny bit of fentanyl (less than a few grains of sand) to stop a person’s breathing. When that happens, you can save their life by giving them naloxone.

¿Qué es la naloxona?

Naloxone (commonly referred to as Narcan®) is an opioid antagonist, or in other words, an overdose reversal medication. It’s available as a nasal spray or an injection.

Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and can restore normal breathing. Timing is critical – the sooner the better – and you may need to give more than one dose.

¿Puede ser perjudicial la naloxona?

No – naloxone will not harm a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose. It is not addictive and it has no abuse potential. There is no minimum age to use it, and having it on hand poses no danger to adults or children.

ilustración de una mano sosteniendo un spray nasal de naloxona

¿Dónde puedo conseguir naloxona en Maine?

There are many places to get naloxone for yourself, a loved one, or your organization. In the case of an opioid overdose emergency, you’ll want to have it on hand and accessible.

At a pharmacy

If you have a prescription, many health insurance plans cover all or most of the cost of naloxone.

If you don’t have a prescription, you can still purchase the nasal spray over the counter. 

NEW (Sept. 2023) – If you have MaineCare, your insurance will cover a two-dose nasal spray kit – just head to the pharmacy counter and they’ll take care of the details (learn more about the MaineCare standing order for naloxone here).

 

For anyone who wants to have naloxone on hand in case of an overdose emergency.

By Prescription (along with any opioid prescription)

If you or a loved one are prescribed an opiate, you can request a naloxone prescription to go with it. Your insurance may cover it partially or completely (MaineCare will). 

For people taking a prescription opiate, such as OxyContin (oxycodone), Vicodin, Norco or Lortab (hydrocodone with acetaminophen), Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen), or tramadol.

From local and state organizations

To search for organizations that distribute free naloxone, visit: https://getmainenaloxone.org

Distributors may give priority to people who use drugs, and also to the people around them (family members, loved ones). Everyone can use the site to find their nearest naloxone distributors.

Via your local OPTIONS Liaison

Each Maine county has a local Liaison who can connect you to free naloxone. Find your Liaison.

For anyone who uses substances or who has a loved one that uses substances.

¿Cómo se utiliza la naloxona?

Para una explicación de 30 segundos sobre cómo utilizar la naloxona nasal, vea este vídeo de los CDC:

En este vídeo se explica cómo utilizar la naloxona inyectable.

 

Pasos para utilizar la naloxona nasal

  • Llame al 9-1-1. Puede ser necesaria atención médica de urgencia incluso después de usar naloxona.
  • Coloque el pulgar en el émbolo y los dedos a ambos lados del tubo nasal.
  • Introduzca suavemente la boquilla en una fosa nasal de la persona.
  • Presione el émbolo para pulverizar toda la dosis de naloxona en una fosa nasal.
  • Si no hay respuesta en 2-3 minutos, utilizar una dosis adicional, alternando las fosas nasales. Repetir si es necesario.
  • Quédate con la persona mientras esperas a que lleguen los paramédicos.

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