Where Can You Get Narcan?

Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE):

·      Denver residents can request free Narcan kits directly from the DDPHE. The city has recently received a shipment of 2,900 kits, and they are actively packing and shipping them to residents. You can place your request on the DDPHE website12.

·      The program also includes fentanyl testing strips for free.

Pharmacies Across Colorado:

·      More than 470 pharmacies across Colorado carry Narcan nasal spray, and you do not need a prescription to obtain it. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they have it available.

Dose of Reality: Safer Use/Harm Reduction

Opioids can harm you. That’s why we are sharing safer use tips to reduce the harm you or someone you love may experience when using opioids. While these tips won’t eliminate all dangers of opioids, they will lower your chances of an overdose, infection, or other bad outcome. The purpose of these tips is to keep people who use opioids alive and well.

Tips to protect yourself

Come up with an overdose plan. Talk to family members and friends about what they can do to help you in case of an overdose.

Naloxone saves lives. Naloxone is an overdose reversal drug. Carry it with you. Let others know you have it. A trusted family member or friend can administer naloxone to save your life. It can take more than one dose of naloxone to reverse an overdose.

It’s dangerous to take opioids when you are alone. If a trusted family member or friend is around and alert, they can look for the signs of an overdose and administer naloxone should an overdose occur. If a trusted family member or friend is not available, call Never Use Alone.

Mixing drugs is risky. Combining opioids with other drugs, including alcohol, puts you at greater risk for an overdose.

Consider your physical health. People living with asthma or other breathing problems, kidney issues, liver issues, and HIV are at high risk for an overdose.

More tips for people who are prescribed opioids

Limit your use of the medicine. Unlike antibiotics where taking the entire course of medication is necessary, you should stop taking opioids as soon as your pain subsides. Take only the dose prescribed on the schedule prescribed.

Don’t share your medicine. Opioids were prescribed to you based on your unique needs. A recommended dose for one person could be harmful to another person.

Safely store your medicine. Leaving opioids on counters or in easily accessible medicine cabinets can lead others to take your opioids without your knowledge. Store your opioids in a safe place out of reach of children and pets. The best spot is a locked box or cabinet.

Safely dispose of leftover medicine. There is no need to hang onto opioids you did not take. If your pain returns, that’s because your body likely has not fully healed and you may need other help to fully recover. Take leftover opioids to a drug drop box.

More tips for people who use other opioids

Fentanyl test strips are legal. Fentanyl test strips can be used to check for the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They are available for free at many locations in Wisconsin. Learn more about fentanyl test strips.

Injecting opioids is dangerous. Injecting opioids can increase the risk of overdose and infection. Reusing needles and supplies or sharing them with others increases the chance of a negative outcome, such as contracting hepatitis C or HIV. Not sanitizing the injection site beforehand can lead to infection. Syringe services programs provide access to sterile syringes and supplies, accept used syringes and supplies for safe disposal, and provide testing and treatment for infectious diseases. Find a syringe services program near you.

Opioids can act fast on your brain and body. This can put you at greater risk of an overdose. People who don’t regularly consume opioids can be at greater risk of an overdose. Those who use opioids from an unknown source are also at greater risk of an overdose if they consume too much.

Your health matters. Overall health impacts the risk of an overdose. Dehydration, lack of sleep, and hunger can increase the likelihood of an overdose.

Save a life with naloxone

You can reverse an opioid overdose if you know what to do and you act in time. Whether you use opioids, love someone who does, or just care about the people in your community, it’s important to be prepared if you encounter someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose.

Carrying naloxone can save lives. This is the drug that blocks the harmful effects of opioids on the brain. It is specific to opioids. If opioids are not involved with the overdose, it will not cause any harm.

How to give someone naloxone

Nasal naloxone (NARCAN®)

NARCAN® is simple to use. Each NARCAN® device contains one dose.

Call 911 and follow the operator’s instructions.

Place the tip of the nozzle in either nostril until your fingers touch the nose.

Press the plunger firmly to release the dose.

Give rescue breaths if needed.

NARCAN® usually starts working within a few minutes and lasts from 30 to 90 minutes. More than one dose of NARCAN® is sometimes needed. If there is no response after two to three minutes, give a second dose of NARCAN® in the other nostril.

Learn more about nasal naloxone

Signs of an Overdose/How to Administer Nasal Naloxone, P-03094 (wallet card)
This wallet card provides an overview of the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer nasal naloxone. It is available in English, Hmong, and Spanish.

Watch the following video to learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to use NARCAN® to save a life.

Injection naloxone

Injection naloxone is easy to use.

Call 911 and follow the operator’s instructions.

Pop off the flip top from the naloxone vial.

Insert the needle into the vial and draw up 1cc into the syringe.

Inject the needle straight into the muscle (through clothes, if necessary) on the shoulder, thigh, or upper outer part of the buttocks, and then push in the plunger.

Injection naloxone usually starts working within a few minutes and lasts from 30 to 90 minutes. More than one dose of injection naloxone is sometimes needed. If there is no response after two to three minutes, give a second dose of injection naloxone.

Talk about naloxone

If you have concerns about a loved one taking a prescription opioid or using drugs commonly mixed with fentanyl, like heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, here are some tips on having a conversation about naloxone.

Ask what they know about naloxone. Simply starting the conversation shows that you care and can be a source of support.

Make it clear that their safety is your main priority. Naloxone can save their life—or a loved one’s—by quickly and safely reversing an opioid overdose.

Share that naloxone is for anyone who uses opioids and other substances that are commonly mixed with fentanyl or other synthetic opioids. Naloxone is effective for any opioid overdose, including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and fentanyl overdoses.

Meet them where they’re at. They may be struggling, so offer your support by listening and giving them your undivided attention. Let them know they’re important to you. That’s why preparing for an emergency by carrying naloxone is so important.

Know the real facts about naloxone and help call out misinformation. They should know that carrying naloxone won’t get them in trouble.

Emphasize that carrying naloxone is normal and responsible. Point out that many doctors and pharmacists recommend providing naloxone with every opioid prescription. This can help reduce a potential fear of judgment.

Offer to help them get naloxone. Naloxone can be purchased without a prescription at a pharmacy and at no cost from many organizations throughout the state. Find out where you can get naloxone above.

Remind them that should tell others around them that they have naloxone and where to find it when using substances. After all, naloxone cannot be self-administered.

Encourage them to keep multiple doses of naloxone on hand. Sometimes it takes more than one dose to reverse an overdose.

Promote the importance of carrying naloxone: Visit the Dose of Reality: Partner Resources section for flyers, posters, and social media posts, as well as audio and video advertisements.

Safe disposal saves lives

Safely disposing of unused and unwanted medications and used medical supplies helps protect the people around you and your environment. There are many safe disposal options available to everyone throughout your area.

Our Foundation has been established as Zach’s legacy. We want him to be remembered. Our hope is to connect with families and communities struggling with addiction and provide support in many shapes and forms.

Harm Reduction Action Center:

• The Harm Reduction Action Center in Denver focuses on educating, empowering, and advocating for the health and dignity of people who inject drugs. They provide services to curb the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and accidental overdoses among this population. You can contact them at (303) 572-78001.

Colorado Crisis Services:

• For confidential substance use help, you can reach out to Colorado Crisis Services online, over the phone at 1-844-493-TALK (8255), or via text by sending “TALK” to 382553.

National Drug Helpline:

• Dial 1-844-289-0879 for the Colorado drug addiction hotline. It serves as a crucial lifeline for anyone struggling with substance abuse, providing vital support services at no additional cost. Help is available 24/74.