FREE Narcan (Naloxone) for Students

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a life-saving opioid reversal medication that can help with heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications overdose. Known as an opioid antagonist, naloxone medication will attach itself to opioid receptors and reverse and block the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if a their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose within 2-3 minutes. 

Naloxone can be adminstered through a nasal spray (Narcan and RiVive) in the nose or through an injectable or auto-injector into the outer thigh or major muscle for anyone suspected or shows signs of an opioid overdose. It is safe, easy to administer and works almost instantly. Naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and is not considered a treatment for opioid use disorder. 

Why Should You Carry Naloxone or Narcan? 

Having a life-saving medication, naloxone, provides an extra layer of protection for those at higher risk for an overdose, especially for family or friends of loved ones who struggle with opioid addiction.

Even for those that may not be struggling with an addiction, substance misuse is increasing and many people be may not be aware that the drug they are using could be contaminated or laced with fentanyl when purchasing from a non-pharmacy. Therefore, it is very important that if you or someone you know are using illegal substances, to test the product with fentanyl test strips to see if it may contain fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips is one of many harm reduction tools to reduce opioid overdose. Click here to learn more about fentanyl test strips and how to use it. 

At SHCS, you can pickup some fentanyl test strip and FREE Narcan. Anyone can carry naloxone, administer it to somone having an overdose, and potentially save a life. Bystanders such as friends, family, non-health care providers and persons who use drugs can reverse an opioid overdose with naloxone. 

What are the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose? 

• Falling asleep or losing consciousness
• Is unconscious
• Slow, weak or no breathing 
• Vomiting
• An inability to speak
• Purple lips and fingernails or discolored skin
• Cold and/or clammy skin
• Limp body
• Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils"

How to respond to an opioid overdose:

It may be hard to tell if someone is experiencing an overdose. If you are not sure, treat it like an overdose - you could save a life. With a fentanyl overdose, two or more doses of naloxone may need to be given.

1. Call 911 immediately
2. Give naloxone
3. Keep the person awake and breathing
4. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking
5. Stay with the person until 911 responders arrive

Where Can You Get Naloxone? 

As of July 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two over the counter (OTC) naloxone nasal sprays for use without a prescription. Narcan and RiVive are available for purchase at any local pharmacy, grocery stores online or local organiztion that has a naloxone distribution program.

At SHCS, we provide FREE Narcan for students as well as free fentanyl test strips. Students need to complete the request form and can pick it up at SHCS. 

Individuals who purchased an OTC naloxone, can access the CDPH Naloxone webpage to learn more about naloxone and how to administer it, or watch the video below on how to give naloxone.