patient Resources
Naloxone and Overdose Safety
If you have been prescribed opioids to manage cancer pain, your doctor may also prescribe naloxone in case of emergency. Make sure the people you trust know when and how to use it.
If you see someone experiencing an opioid overdose, give naloxone and call 911 for emergency services. Training and naloxone kits may be available through your local health department. Video tutorials on when and how to use naloxone are also available through The Naloxone Project.
Signs of Opioid Overdose
Anyone taking opioids is at risk for accidental overdose. This is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know is taking opioids, make sure you know the signs of overdose:
Very slow, uneven breathing; in some cases breathing may stop completely
Slow heart rate
Does not respond to loud sounds or to rubbing firmly on the center of their chest
Lips and fingernails may turn blue, purple, or gray
Very small or “pinpoint” pupils
If someone is experiencing an overdose, give naloxone and call 911 for emergency services right away. Stay with the person until help arrives.
Naloxone FAQ
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Naloxone is a medication designed to counteract the effects of opioids. It can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and potentially save a life. Naloxone nasal spray usually comes in packs of two applicators. Each spray applicator contains a single dose of naloxone for one-time use.
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Naloxone is available by prescription or over the counter in most pharmacies. Many community programs and local health departments also give out naloxone for free. Ask your healthcare provider or local health department what is available in your area.
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Patients may experience symptoms of opioid withdrawal when they wake up after using naloxone. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, shaking, and anger.
Naloxone will not harm patients who have not taken opioids.
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The Virginia Department of Health offers training on how to recognize signs of overdose and how to use naloxone for community members and first responders through the REVIVE! Program. Learn more about naloxone through the Virginia Department of Health.
Other local health departments and community services boards may offer similar training in your area.
How to Use Naloxone
1. Check for Responsiveness
Look for signs of opioid overdose. If the person is not responding, try to wake them up by shouting and gently shaking them. Rub a fist firmly on the center of their chest for several seconds.
2. Administer Naloxone Nasal Spray
Each applicator holds one dose. Do not do a “test” spray.
Tilt the person’s head back
Hold the spray applicator with your thumb on the plunger.
Insert the spray applicator into their nose.
Press the plunger firmly to spray naloxone into the nose.
Lay the person on their side. Naloxone may cause opioid withdrawal symptoms including vomiting. This position can prevent choking.
3. Call 911
Tell emergency services that you believe someone has experienced an opioid overdose and that you have given them naloxone. Follow any instructions from the dispatcher.
If the person does not respond after 2-3 minutes, or if they wake up but start to fall asleep again, give another dose of naloxone.
Stay with the person until EMS arrives. When EMS arrives, tell them you have given the patient naloxone.
administering naloxone
1. Hold with your thumb, first and middle finger.
2. Insert tip into nostril
3. Press plunger firmly
Resource Download
Naloxone and Overdose Safety
This tip sheet is not a replacement for medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about what is safe for you based on your medical history.
