Naloxone Information

What is naloxone?

Naloxone is a medicine used to reverse the effect of opioids.  It is used to reverse an opioid overdose and possibly safe a life. It is available as a nasal spray and an intramuscular injection for use in the community.  Make sure you know how to use the naloxone device before you leave the pharmacy. 

If available, naloxone should be given to anyone who exhibits signs of an opioid overdose.

Naloxone should be given to anyone who has taken an opioid and is exhibiting signs of an opioid overdose.  

Naloxone should NOT be given to anyone with a known allergic reaction to naloxone or anyone who is not suspected to have an opioid overdose.

How do I get naloxone?

Naloxone can be prescribed by your doctor.  It may be covered by your insurance, similar to other prescription medicines.  Designated pharmacies in Michigan can provide naloxone to individuals who request it because of the Michigan Naloxone Standing Order.  This order:

• Ensures individuals within the State of Michigan can obtain naloxone for those who are at risk for experiencing an opioid overdose, or who are family members, friends, or other persons able to help a person 
• Allows pharmacies to dispense naloxone without a prescription from the individual’s doctor
• Certain pharmacies in Michigan can dispense naloxone, including Henry Ford Health Pharmacies.  Please visit the following webpage for a map and/or a list of pharmacies approved to dispense naloxone. View Henry Ford Outpatient pharmacies.

There are different naloxone products available from the pharmacy. Make sure you know how to use the naloxone device before you leave the pharmacy. 

If you have to use naloxone on someone who has overdosed on opioids, make sure you call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. 

Contact your pharmacist for more information or to obtain naloxone.

What are the side effects of naloxone?

Naloxone may cause nausea, vomiting, sweating, abnormal heart beats, withdrawal syndrome from opioids (body aches, fever, sweating, trembling, nervousness), and agitation.  To learn more about the side effects of naloxone, contact your pharmacist.

Does my prescription insurance cover naloxone?

Your insurance may cover naloxone.  Check with your pharmacist to be sure.  

Some organizations may provide naloxone to individuals who attend local training events.  These organizations may have grants which support naloxone training for community, including access to naloxone for participants.  Check with your local health department to find out if there are naloxone training events in your area.