Narcan for every overdose is an opportunity to save a life.
Why co-prescribing Naloxone saves lives:
The risk of overdoses does not discriminate between licit and illicit users, and Naloxone does not discriminate when saving lives. If you are a medical doctor (MD) or pharmacist (PharmD), you can save lives by co-prescribing Naloxone. Find more information below about how to assess risk, talk to patients about Naloxone, and resources to help them understand what it is, what it does, and why it matters.
Myths & Facts
Myth: Naloxone is only for people with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
FACT: Anyone with access to licit or illicit opioids has the potential to overdose. Because of the possible presence of fentanyl in most illicit substances, people using drugs other than opioids should also carry Naloxone. Family members of people taking opioids or using illicit drugs should have Naloxone on hand. Naloxone would be appropriate in any place where people under the influence of substances may gather.
Fact: Accidental overdoses can happen to anyone, prescription or not.
Naloxone co-prescriptions can save anyone’s life. See the Oregon Health Authority’s guide for clinicians to co-prescribe Naloxone.
Myth: Only medical doctors (MD’s) are allowed to prescribe Naloxone in Oregon.
Click here to read the Oregon Health Authority’s guide for pharmacists prescribing Naloxone.