Should You Have Narcan in Your Home?

This life-saving drug may be worth having even if you don't live with an opioid user.

Most people keep basic first aid supplies at home, such as bandages, a thermometer and over-the-counter pain relievers. But there's another item that you may want to consider having on hand to keep your family safer.

Narcan is a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. With opioid-related deaths increasingly affecting families across the country, more people are wondering whether they should keep Narcan at home, in their car or even in a purse or backpack.

Here are answers to common questions about Narcan that can help you decide.

What Is Narcan?

Narcan is the brand name for naloxone, a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It's available as a nasal spray and can be purchased over the counter in many pharmacies without a prescription.

Opioids include prescription pain medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illegal drugs like heroin and fentanyl. When someone overdoses on opioids, their breathing can slow down or stop. Narcan works by blocking the opioids, helping to restore normal breathing.

How Do You Use Narcan?

Narcan is sprayed into one nostril while a person lies on their back. It usually begins working within a few minutes, but the medication may wear off before all the opioids leave the body, which means overdose symptoms can return. That's why it's important to call 911 immediately so the person can receive emergency medical care, even if they wake up and seems better.

Who Should Keep Narcan at Home?

Many people assume Narcan is only for individuals who misuse drugs, but a much wider group of people may benefit from having it available.

You may want to keep Narcan at home if:

• Someone in your household takes opioid pain medications
• A family member has a history of opioid use disorder
• You care for someone who has previously overdosed
• You work in healthcare, education or public service
• You spend time around large groups of people
• You want to be prepared to help in an emergency

Some experts also recommend carrying Narcan in a car, purse, backpack or first aid kit, especially since accidental exposure to fentanyl-contaminated drugs has contributed to overdoses in people who may not even realize they're taking opioids.

What Are the Benefits of Having Narcan on Hand?

The biggest benefit of Narcan is that it can save a life. When an opioid overdose occurs, having Narcan nearby may provide enough time for emergency responders to arrive. That's why many public health organizations encourage wider access to Narcan, because using it can dramatically improve outcomes in people who overdose on opioids.

Narcan is easy to use, available without a prescription in many locations and has no effect on someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, so it's generally safe.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Narcan?

Although safe to use, here are a few things about Narcan to keep in mind:

• It doesn't work on overdoses caused by non-opioid drugs.
• It's not a substitute for emergency medical care.
• People who are dependent on opioids may experience sudden withdrawal symptoms after receiving Narcan. These symptoms can be uncomfortable but aren't usually life-threatening.
• The cost of Narcan can be high, although community programs and local health departments may provide it at low cost or for free.

Keeping Narcan at home is a lot like having a fire extinguisher. Hopefully, you'll never need it, but if an emergency occurs, having it nearby could make a life-saving difference. If someone in your household uses opioid medications, or if you simply want to be prepared for an emergency, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about whether keeping Narcan at home is the right decision for you.

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