Image courtesy of ADAPT Pharma, Inc.Responding to public demand for tools and information to help stem the growing opioid overdose epidemic, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has created a web section dedicated to resources about the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone. The new web resource includes information about the medication, how, and by whom, it can be given, and where to obtain it. Additionally, dosage information, precautions, and the side effects of naloxone are highlighted.
The need for public information about naloxone increased with two recent Food and Drug Administration approvals of naloxone products (prepackaged nasal spray and auto-inject formulations) that are easier for consumer use, giving new hope to families who are struggling with loved ones battling opioid addiction. The NIDA naloxone web page also includes links to pharmacies that offer naloxone (with and without a prescription), related NIDA resources, as well as related federal and private sector websites.
More than 18,000 people died in 2014 from an opioid pain reliever overdose and over 10,000 died from heroin-related overdoses. Naloxone is now a front line tool used by first responders in preventing opioid overdose deaths.
To view the NIDA naloxone web page, go to
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/naloxone
For more information, contact the NIDA press office at media@nida.nih.gov or 301-443-6245. Follow NIDA on Twitter and Facebook. The NIDA website is www.drugabuse.gov.