What are Opioids?
Opioids are generally used to treat pain and include both prescription painkillers and heroin.
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.”
Naloxone 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 Narcan/Naloxone and Other Supplies?
Businesses & Community Organizations 
- Complete the Fentanyl Awareness & Narcan Access Supply Order Form to order several free items.
Any Public Establishment:
- Complete the Narcan Emergency Wall Box Form.
Individuals
- To get Fentanyl Test Strips: send a text to 716-225-5473 or call 716-858-7695 and watch the video How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips.
- To get Narcan: send a text to 716-225-5473, call 716-858-7695 or go to one of the Narcan Community Access Sites
Where Can I Get Narcan/Naloxone Training?
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:
- 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.
- Follow dispatcher instructions.
- Give naloxone
- If no reaction in 3 minutes, give second dose.
- 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
- 24 hour Addiction Hotline 716-831-7007 - Get immediate help, education, information, referrals and assistance with linking to addiction treatment services (Hotline Flyers - Please post to help inform others)
- How to Use Naloxone
- How Do I Get Naloxone at a Pharmacy
- Availability of Naloxone in Pharmacies and the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP)
- Video: How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips - This video is presented by ECDOH peers. Using these strips may reduce your risk of overdose or death.
- Flyer: Narcan Saves Lives
- NY State Community Naloxone Usage Form
- NY State Public Safety Naloxone Quality Improvement Usage Report
Related Programs
- Opiate Epidemic Task Force
- Trainings, Presentations, Resources
- Treatment & Recovery
- Needle Access and Needle & Medication Disposal
- Peer Navigation
- Smoking/Vaping/Tobacco
- Cannabis
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