1. Opioids are used for pain management. Some common prescription opioids are Codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, methadone, and oxycodone
2. Opioid pain relievers are the most commonly misused prescription drugs
3. Opioid overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S.
4. The US makes up 5% of the world’s population but consumes 80% of the world’s prescription opioid drugs

Opioid Overdose

What is naloxone?

Naloxone is a life-saving antidote that reverses opioid overdoses. It can be administered by non-medical individuals through a nasal spray. It is a very safe medication that blocks opioid receptors and reverses an overdose, but has no effect on someone not experiencing an overdose. It is not meant to be a substitute for medical attention, and you should always call 911 for someone experiencing an overdose. How do I administer naloxone and what are the side effects?

If the first dose does not work, a second dose can be administered. Side effects may include headache, changes in blood pressure, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors.

Where can I get naloxone?

You can obtain naloxone at any pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. There is a statewide standing order from the Department of Health and Senior Services requiring that pharmacies keep a stock of naloxone on hand, however in some areas if there has not been a demand it is possible that a pharmacy may not have it in stock. Call your local pharmacy to see if they have naloxone available, when visiting the pharmacy ask to speak with a pharmacist about naloxone and they will provide you with opioid overdose education and how to dispense naloxone, and insurance can be billed if necessary. Narcan© and Evzio© are two brands of naloxone that are available for purchase.

1. Missouri Network for Opiate Reform and Recovery
2. NoMoDeaths
3. Addiction Science Team
4. Next Distro-Missouri
5. Prevent+Ed

How much does naloxone cost?

The cost of naloxone depends on where and how you get it. Patients with insurance should check with their insurance company to see what the co-pay is for naloxone. Patients without insurance can check retail costs with their local pharmacy.

Where can I get naloxone training?

St. Louis

Missouri Network for Opiate Reform and Recovery. Located in STL. Click here to schedule

Jefferson County Health Department partners with Recovery Resource Center to have free training the fourth Wednesday of every month at 5:30. For more information, call 205-933-9110.

Saint Louis County Department of Public Health opioids@stlouiscountymo.gov

Free online training

Get Naloxone Now is an online resource to train people to respond effectively to an opioid overdose emergency. Get training and save a life. Visit getnaloxonenow.org to access the training.

Addiction Science Team/MIMH offers free overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) training. Click here to access the training. 

Partners in Prevention also offers both online and in-person training. To access our virtual training, click here, or to schedule an in-person training, click here.