What is Naloxone?

Naloxone Saves Lives

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SAFE
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EASY TO USE
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NON-ADDICTIVE
Woman holding photo of her son, with the text: "You could save a life. Learn the signs of overdose and carry naloxone"

Naloxone, (Brand names: Narcan® or Kloxxado®) is available over the counter, online or get it free in Orange County. It is most often given as a nasal spray and no prescription is needed. When an overdose happens, every moment counts.

How does it work?

Naloxone quickly stops an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2-3 minutes in a person whose breath has slowed or stopped because of opioid overdose. More than one dose of naloxone may need to be given.

Even after administering naloxone to someone overdosing, they will need medical help.

So always give naloxone and call 911.

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Who should carry naloxone?

  • If you or someone you know is at increased risk for opioid overdose, especially those struggling with opioid use disorder, you should carry naloxone and keep it at home
  • People who are taking high-dose opioid medications (greater or equal to 50 morphine milligram equivalents per day) prescribed by a doctor
  • People who use opioids and benzodiazepines together
  • People who use illicit opioids like heroin should all carry naloxone

Carrying naloxone is no different than carrying an EpiPen® for someone with allergies. It simply provides an extra layer of protection for those at a higher risk for overdose.

California’s Good Samaritan law protects people giving emergency care in good faith or when calling for help.

Source: CDC

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IF AN OVERDOSE HAPPENS WILL YOU BE READY?

Learn the Signs
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When in doubt, call 911 and use naloxone.

Get Naloxone

Naloxone Training and Distribution

Site Locations & Drop-In Times:

Anaheim
Costa Mesa
Huntington Beach
Irvine
Laguna Hills
Mission Viejo
Orange
San Juan Capistrano
Santa Ana
Tustin

If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, help is available.

Find Help