Should You Keep Narcan in Your Medicine Cabinet Just in Case?

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the potential lifesaving opioid overdose reverser, Narcan, for over-the-counter sales, shouldn’t you keep some on hand?

A Smurf says, "Carry Narcan save a life," on a wall mural.Photo byDreamstime #155567962.

NOTE: The statistics and opinions stated in this article are for information only and are not intended as medical advice. Before buying Narcan or keeping it in your home, ask your family doctor for guidance.

Opioid abuse is a serious problem in the United States, with an estimated 2.1 million people struggling with opioid use disorder.

“An estimated 79,117 Americans died from drug overdoses between January and September 2022, fewer than the 81,155 people who died during the first nine months of 2021, but still 50 percent higher than pre-2020 levels.”—The Commonwealth Fund.

Although overdose rates have declined, during the pandemic period of 2020 and 2021, more than 200,000 Americans lost their lives due to opioid overdoses. Even one death from overdose is too many.

This epidemic has prompted the FDA to approve the potential lifesaving opioid overdose reversal, Narcan, for over-the-counter sales. But the question is, should parents keep Narcan in their medicine cabinet just in case?

According to the Maine Drub Data Hub, 8,907 people were saved using Narcan in 2021. Narcan can quickly restore respiration to normal and perhaps save a life. It is available to individuals who use it and their loved ones in Maine. Don’t let your friend or family member be a statistic. Keep Narcan on hand.

What is Narcan?

Narcan, or naloxone, is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. It works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, restoring normal breathing and preventing death.

Why should you consider keeping Narcan on hand?

With opioid abuse on the rise, it's important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Narcan can potentially save your friend/family member/child's life if they overdose on an opioid. The availability of Narcan can reduce the number of fatal overdoses by reversing the effects of an overdose in seconds.

How can you obtain Narcan?

Narcan is now available over the counter at most pharmacies, and it may even be covered by insurance. Some states even offer Narcan for free through various programs. Speak to your healthcare provider or local pharmacy to see what options are available.

How do you use Narcan?

Narcan can be administered through a nasal spray or injection. It's important to familiarize yourself with the instructions on the packaging and to have a basic understanding of how to use it before an emergency situation arises. Additionally, it's essential to call 911 immediately in the event of an overdose, even if Narcan has been administered.

Keeping Narcan in your medicine cabinet could potentially save your child's life in the event of an opioid overdose. With opioid abuse on the rise, it's important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

Narcan is now available over-the-counter and is covered by many insurance plans. By obtaining Narcan and familiarizing yourself with how to use it, you can be ready to act quickly in the event of an overdose.

Remember, it's always essential to call 911 during an overdose, even if Narcan has been administered.

References:

1. Opioid Overdose by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/index.html.

2. Overdose Death Rates by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates

3. FDA approves first over-the-counter naloxone product to reverse opioid overdose by the FDA. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-over-counter-naloxone-product-reverse-opioid-overdose

4. Thematic Dashboard: Naloxone (Narcan®) by the Maine Drug Data Hub. https://mainedrugdata.org/

5. Here's why parents should have Narcan, the drug that reverses an opioid overdose, at home: 'This is a lifesaving medication' by Yahoo Lifestyle. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/what-parents-need-to-know-about-narcan-183104296.html?.tsrc=1013

6. Overdose Deaths Declined but Remained Near Record Levels During the First Nine Months of 2022 as States Cope with Synthetic Opioids by the Commonwealth Fund. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2023/overdose-deaths-declined-remained-near-record-levels-during-first-nine-months-2022-states#:~:text=An%20estimated%2079%2C117%20Americans%20died,higher%20than%20pre%2D2020%20levels.

Want to read local news stories for free?

Sign up using my referral link.

If you’re interested in making a side hustle from writing about local news, sign up using my referral link, and we can both make more. Don’t forget to use your link when you write.

About the author

Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.