Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is the medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Learn more about how naloxone might help you or someone you love, how you can begin carrying naloxone, and where you can find naloxone in your community.
Overdose prevention
Learn how to prevent and respond to an overdose.
Frequently asked questions for naloxone prescribing, dispensing, and administration in Idaho.
Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and prevent death. There are three FDA-approved formulations of naloxone:
- Injectable – Use of this product requires the user to be trained on proper assembly and administration.
- Autoinjectable – EVZIO® is a prefilled auto-injection device that makes it easy for families or emergency personnel to inject naloxone quickly into the outer thigh.
- Prepackaged Nasal Spray – NARCAN® Nasal Spray is a prefilled, needle-free device that requires no assembly and is sprayed into one nostril while patients lay on their back.
To increase naloxone access, DHW aims to distribute free naloxone kits to groups in Idaho interacting with individuals at risk of an opioid-related overdose. These organizations may include:
- First responders: law enforcement, fire, EMS
- Substance use disorder treatment providers, recovery and crisis centers
- Criminal justice agencies
- Emergency departments
- Shelters
- Public health districts
- Safer syringe programs
- Other
Organizations may administer naloxone to any individual who is experiencing respiratory suppression characteristic of an opioid-related overdose. Organizations also may distribute naloxone to individuals who are at risk of an opioid-related overdose, as well as their friends and family. Naloxone is safe to carry on person and has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system.
DHW encourages opioid overdose recognition and response training for individuals in a position to administer naloxone.
Note that free naloxone kits are contingent upon continued federal and state funding and available supply. Organizations that receive naloxone through this program will be asked to submit brief monthly reports of naloxone distribution, administration, and outcomes.
Organizations may request free naloxone by submitting a Naloxone Request Form.
As of 2019, Idahoans may access naloxone at a pharmacy without a prescription. Call ahead to your local pharmacy to ensure availability of naloxone and to ask about your co-pay. If you have Medicaid, naloxone is free from the pharmacy. Community-based groups such as safer syringe programs, substance use disorder treatment, and recovery and crisis centers near you may also offer naloxone free to individuals in need, regardless of your insurance status. Find Naloxone near you.