The Uses and Benefits of Narcan: Why You Should Have It at Home

Narcan, a nasal spray form of naloxone, has recently been approved for non-prescription sale by the FDA. Read on to learn how it works to reverse opioid overdoes and save lives, and why you should make it part of your home safety plan!

What is Narcan and How Does It Save Lives?

Naloxone, or Narcan, is an opioid antagonist, which means it binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, where it reverses and blocks the effects of opioids. This can quickly reverse an opioid overdose and restore normal breathing. It's a safe medication without evidence of significant adverse reactions, and has no harmful effect on a person without opioids in their system. Most importantly, data shows that naloxone availability helps save lives:

• Opioid overdose deaths have decreased by 14 percent on average in states with naloxone access laws.
• Naloxone distribution programs have resulted in an 11 percent decrease in opioid deaths, with no increase in opioid use rates, in communities where enacted.
• Statistical modeling suggests that increased distribution of naloxone among emergency personnel and the general population could prevent 21 percent of opioid overdose deaths.

Who Can Benefit from Narcan?

Many people believe that drug addiction only happens in certain places or as an offshoot of criminal activity. But opioids are prevalent in medicine, and are extremely potent, habit-forming drugs. It hasn't been uncommon for people who have been legitimately prescribed opioid pain relievers to become dependent on them accidentally.

Many groups of people are at risk for an opioid overdose:

• Patients prescribed opioids
• Children or others who may accidentally ingest opioid pills used by someone in the home
• People who purchase, steal, or receive opioids from a friend or relative; this comprises half of all nonmedical opioid use
• People using illicit opioids, misusing prescription opioids, and people using other illicit drugs
• People receiving treatment for an opioid use disorder
• People with a history of opioid misuse who have lost their tolerance for opioids due to detoxification, cessation of treatment, or time spent in a controlled environment

If you or a loved one has ever used opioids for any reason, Narcan is a must in your house. You may be able to save the life of a friend, family member, neighbor, or even a stranger.

Using Narcan Nasal Spray

Administering Narcan is simple! Each pack comes with instructions for use, and the three-step process for using the device is easy to remember:

1. Peel: Peel back the package to remove the atomizer spray device. Hold the device with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and 2 fingers on the nozzle.
2. Place: Place and hold the tip of the device's nozzle in either nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the patient's nose.
3. Press: Press the plunger firmly to release the dose of Narcan into the patient's nose

Visit Mountainside Medical Equipment for Narcan and the Best Emergency Supplies

It's crucial that the best emergency supplies are widely available, not just to professionals, but to everyone. That's why Mountainside Medical Equipment offers the best rescue supplies for your home, office, school, organization, or any other venue.  Visit us today!

Using Narcan is even easier when you have a dedicated naloxone kit, like Mountainside Medical Equipment's Narcan Nasal Spray Kit. These all-inclusive kits have everything you need to stop an overdose, provided in a convenient and highly visible carrying case to save time when you need it most.