Naloxone 1mg/mL injectable
This medication should be administered by someone (bystander, friend or family member) to reverse opioid overdoses before emergency medical assistance becomes available. Its effects can be felt within a few minutes.
Instructions
This product is usually administered in a muscle. To use it:
- emergency medical assistance (911) must be requested before giving the drug;
- the medication should be administered by injection according to the technique you were shown;
- the patient should be turned on the side;
- make sure the airways are opened by gentle tilting the head back and lifting the chin;
- if the person does not respond after 2 to 3 minutes, the injection should be repeated;
- the person should be checked continuously until the ambulance arrives.
The information presented above is only a short summary for those who administer the drug. For details, contact your health care professional and consult the directions for use included in the package insert.
Side effects
In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:
- it may affect your heart rate;
- it may cause diarrhea;
- it may increase your blood pressure;
- it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting;
- it may cause heavy perspiration;
- it may cause shakiness.
Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.
Storage
As with most medications, this product should be stored at room temperature. Store it in a secure location where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed of safely.
General notes
When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:
- Your medical history and allergies (medication, food, or other);
- If you're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding;
- If you use tobacco or cannabis or its derivatives, or if you use recreational drugs;
- The names of all the medications you take, whether you take them regularly or once in a while, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural health products.
It is also strongly recommended that you keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you take and carry it with you at all times. This could be useful if you have to see a health professional or need emergency care.
Keep all your medications out of the reach of children and pets and return any unused or expired medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.