NALOXONE

Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is an emergency medication to be administered in cases of opioid overdose. 

If you suspect someone is overdosing CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. 

Take home naloxone kits are designed to provide rapid access to this rescue medication for people at risk of opioid overdose, or people who may come in contact with those at risk of opioid overdose.

These kits are available at distribution sites for those who qualify, and are also available for sale at pharmacies across Manitoba. Ask your family doctor if you qualify for a kit free of charge.

Naloxone is either given by injection (most commonly) or by a spray in the persons nose.

Naloxone acts by countering the depressive effect of opioids such as depressing someone's breathing. Unless someone has a history of adverse reaction to Naloxone, there are no harms associated with giving naloxone (if you suspect someone is overdosing on a opioid, giving the medication when there isn't an opioid present in the body will have no effect).

What does an opioid overdose look like?

A person could be overdosing if:

• they are not breathing at all or are breathing very slowly
• may not respond to shouting/pinching
• their lips and fingertips are turning blue or purple (in people with darker skin, their gums may be blue or purple)
• they are making an unusual gurgling or loud snoring sound
• their pupils are very tiny.

Priority #1 is always contacting 911 when possible

Source: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/naloxone

What is an opioid?

Opioids are strong pain killing medications when prescribed by a doctor in a supervised manner may be part of a treatment plan. Opioids are often  sold in the streets to get high or dull pain. 

Opioids you may have heard of:

- Heroin 

- Fentanyl

- Carfentanyl 

- Oxycodone 

- Hydrocodone 

Beware, street suppliers of drugs will often cut what they are selling with cheaper fillers. Drugs that people have no intention of consuming may appear on a drug test if they are cut or pressed with other substances around.

For a list of street names for commonly used drugs: https://www.northpointrecovery.com/blog/street-names-drugs-comprehensive-guide/