Naloxone Injection

What is this medication?

NALOXONE (nal OX one) treats opioid overdose, which causes slow or shallow breathing, severe drowsiness, or trouble staying awake. Call emergency services after using this medication. You may need additional treatment. Naloxone works by reversing the effects of opioids. It belongs to a group of medications called opioid blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): EVZIO, Narcan, ZIMHI

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• Substance use disorder
• An unusual or allergic reaction to naloxone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication may be administered in a hospital, clinic, or can be used by the public to give aid to a person who has overdosed until emergency medical help is available. This medication is for injection into the outer thigh. It can be injected through clothing if needed. Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of this medication, even if the person wakes up. You should be familiar with how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose. Administer according to the printed instructions on the device label or the electronic voice instructions. You should practice using the trainer injector before this medication is needed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as newborn for selected conditions, precautions do apply. For infants less than 1 year of age, pinch the thigh muscle while administering.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication is only used during an emergency. No interactions are expected during emergency use.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Keep this medication ready for use in the case of a narcotic overdose. Make sure that you have the phone number of your care team and local hospital ready. You may need to have additional doses of this medication. Each injector contains a single dose. Some emergencies may require additional doses.

After use, bring the treated person to the nearest hospital or call 911. Make sure the treating care team knows that the person has received an injection of this medication. You will receive additional instructions on what to do during and after use of this medication before an emergency occurs.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Agitation, feeling irritable or restless
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). If you are using this medication at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medication. Keep this medication in its outer case until ready to use. Occasionally check the solution through the viewing window of the injector. The solution should be clear. If it is discolored, cloudy, or contains solid particles, replace it with a new injector. Remember to check the expiration date of this medication regularly. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.