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Naloxone/Narcan

What is Narcan® and is it the Same as Naloxone?

When naloxone was first approved to reverse opioid overdoses, its brand name was “Narcan.” There are now other formulations and brand names for naloxone, but many people continue to call all of these products “Narcan.” However, the proper generic name is “naloxone.”

NarcanNaloxone temporarily blocks the effects of opioids and can reverse overdose. Naloxone only works if opioids are in the body and has no effects on alcohol or other drugs. It takes 2-5 minutes to start working and may require more than one dose. The effects of naloxone last for between 30-90 minutes. Naloxone may cause an opioid dependent person to go into withdrawal (e.g. nausea, vomiting, agitation, muscle aches). These symptoms will go away as the naloxone wears off.

How do I get Free Narcan/Naloxone and Other Supplies?  

Narcan OPEN Stand
Narcan OPEN Stand

Individuals

There are several ways to get FREE Narcan, FREE Fentanyl Test Strips, and/or FREE Xylazine Test Strips:

Send a text to 716-225-5473

Call 716-858-7695

Go to an Harm Reduction OPEN (Overdose Prevention, Education, & Narcan) Stand

Or go to one of the Narcan Community Access Sites

Order Online Here

Businesses & Community Organizations

Order Online Here (Additional items also available for free)

Narcan Wall Box
Narcan Wall Box
Any Public Establishment

Order Online Here

Video: How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips.

Fentanyl Test Strip Instructions (PDF)

Where Can I Get Narcan/Naloxone Training?

Free Narcan trainings for the public and professionals

What is an Opioid Emergency or Overdose?

Opioids can cause a person’s breathing to slow or even stop - this is considered an overdose. All opioids put people at risk.

IN CASE OF OVERDOSE:

  1. Call 911. NOTE: The New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law provides substantial protection to anyone calling 911 to save a life, even if drugs are present.
  2. Follow dispatcher instructions. 
  3. Give naloxone
  4. If no reaction in 3 minutes, give second dose. 
  5. After giving naloxone, stay with the person for 3 hours (as long as you can) or until help arrives. Make sure the person does not take more opioids even if they don’t feel well. If the person is still unresponsive, lay them on their side, wait for help. If you know how, do rescue breathing and/or CPR or follow 911 dispatcher instructions.

More Information & Resources

Related Programs

Contact 

Cheryll Moore
Medical Care Administrator
95 Franklin St., Room 911
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-7695
Fax: (716) 858-8701
Cheryll.Moore@erie.gov

Changed
09/05/2023 - 3:38 pm