Get Naloxone
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. It can very quickly restore normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped because of overdosing from heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioid pain medications. Naloxone is also effective if opioids are used in combination with other sedatives or stimulants. Naloxone is not a substitute for medical care, so if someone experiences a drug overdose call 9-1-1 for immediate medical assistance. Learn more about Naloxone.
- Nasal Spray Naloxone, commonly referred to by its brand name Narcan, is developed to be used by first responders, family members, friends, and community members who are responding to an overdose emergency.
- Intramuscular Naloxone comes in a 1ml single dose vial and is injected with a syringe in the person’s thigh, shoulder, or buttocks. The injection can be given through pants and anyone, including family, friends, and community members can be trained to carry this type of naloxone.
Where can I get Naloxone?
Pharmacies
In Maine you do not need a prescription to buy Naloxone at a pharmacy. You can get the nasal spray without a doctor’s prescription at any Maine pharmacy. Simply ask the pharmacist. Nasal Spray Narcan costs up to $150 per kit without insurance.
Non-Mainecare patients can be prescribed Naloxone by their healthcare provider. Mainecare patients who are prescribed opioids can ask to be prescribed Naloxone. Insurance may then cover part of the cost.
Tier 1 Naloxone Distributors
Maine has a wide network of community Naloxone distributors that provide nasal spray naloxone and intramuscular naloxone for free. Between October 2019 and November 2020 these community partners have distributed over 55,700 doses of naloxone. Due to high demand, these distributors prioritize naloxone distribution to people who use drugs, close friends, and family. All these distributors provide naloxone administration education and training. Many of these distributors also provide overdose prevention education.
- Maine Access Points (Statewide distribution): Call or text 207-319-8823 or email: info@maineaccesspoints.org
- MaineGeneral Harm Reduction (Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, Kennebec, Waldo, Lincoln, and Knox counties): Call 207-872-4102, M-F 8-4:30
- Portland Public Health (Cumberland and York): Call 207-874-8446, or email: bridget.rauscher@portlandmaine.gov
- Health Equity Alliance (HEAL) (Penobscot, Hancock, Waldo, Washington): email: info@mainehealthequity.org
- Bangor Public Health & Community Services (Penobscot, Piscataquis, Aroostook, Hancock, and Washington counties). Text or call 207-992-4461 or email denise.smith@bangormaine.gov
Learn How to Use Naloxone
Get the OD-ME App. It will teach you how to administer Naloxone, and has audio instructions that you can follow step by step during the stress of an overdose (screenshots below)
