THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019
MYTH
Having naloxone available encourages people to take more drugs.
FACT
When someone has access to naloxone, their level of drug use does not change. Being revived with naloxone is not fun. It can cause painful and severe physical and emotional symptoms. For this reason, people only use naloxone in life-threatening situations.
MYTH
People won't seek treatment if they have their own naloxone.
FACT
There is no evidence to support this statement. Naloxone increases the chance of someone seeking treatment by keeping people alive.
MYTH
Naloxone is not effective for treating fentanyl overdoses.
FACT
Naloxone is both safe and effective for reversing fentanyl overdoses, though it may take more than one dose and a quicker response.
MYTH
Naloxone is unnecessary. Overdoses can be reversed by putting ice in the person’s pants or injecting them with salt water or milk.
FACT
Naloxone and rescue breathing are the only safe and effective methods of reversing an opioid overdose.
MYTH
I can only get naloxone if I have a prescription from a doctor.
FACT
Any person who asks a pharmacist for naloxone for themselves or someone else can purchase naloxone, with or without a prescription. However, this does not necessarily mean that every pharmacy will always stock naloxone, so we suggest calling ahead to make sure they have it on the shelf.