Confirmed Naloxone Kits Distributed and Reversals Reported by NCHRC (December 31, 2019) 

Naloxone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent overdose by opioids such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It blocks opioid receptor sites, reversing the toxic effects of the overdose. Naloxone is administered when a patient is showing signs of opioid overdose. The medication can be given by intranasal spray, intramuscular (into the muscle), subcutaneous (under the skin), or intravenous injection.
Naloxone Overview

CDC Guidelines on Co-Prescribing of Naloxone
Strategy #8: Before starting and periodically during continuation of opioid therapy, clinicians should evaluate risk factors for opioid-related harms. Clinicians should incorporate into the management plan strategies to mitigate risk, including considering offering naloxone when factors that increase risk for opioid overdose, such as history of overdose, history of substance use disorder, higher opioid dosages (≥50 MME/day), or concurrent benzodiazepine use, are present.

NC Specific Information

• NaloxoneSaves.org developed by the Division of Public Health provides information to pharmacies and the public about North Carolina’s standing order for Naloxone.
• NC Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC) provides information on Naloxone and overdose prevention strategies for North Carolina.