Naloxone Information

About Naloxone

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. The purpose of this program is to reduce the incidence of morbidity and mortality related to opioid overdoses in Idaho communities by getting this life-saving drug into the hands of those who are in a position to assist a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose.

Naloxone is not currently available over-the-counter. However, Idaho’s law allows pharmacists and other health professionals to prescribe and dispense to anyone at risk for an opioid-related overdose or to anyone who may encounter an such an individual. The Office of Drug Policy has a standing order to obtain naloxone on behalf of eligible agencies. These agencies will then be equipped to administer naloxone and keep an overdose patient alive until they can be transported to an emergency department. The agencies may also distribute the naloxone to individuals at risk of overdose, as well as their friends and family.

Types of Naloxone

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and prevent death. There are three FDA-approved formulations of naloxone:

Injectable – Use of this product requires the user to be trained on proper assembly and administration.
Autoinjectable – EVZIO^® is a prefilled auto-injection device that makes it easy for families or emergency personnel to inject naloxone quickly into the outer thigh.
Prepackaged Nasal Spray – NARCAN^® Nasal Spray is a prefilled, needle-free device that requires no assembly and is sprayed into one nostril while patients lay on their back.

Find naloxone kits for Idaho organizations

To increase naloxone access, Idaho Department of Health & Welfare aims to distribute free naloxone kits to organizations in Idaho interacting with individuals at risk of an opioid-related overdose. These organizations may include:

First Responders: Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers, Recovery and Crisis Centers
Criminal Justice agencies
Emergency Departments
Shelters
Public Health Districts
Safer Syringe Programs
Other

Organizations may administer naloxone to any individual who is experiencing respiratory suppression characteristic of an opioid-related overdose. Organizations may also distribute naloxone to individuals who are at risk of an opioid-related overdose, as well as their friends and family. Naloxone is safe to carry on person and has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system.

DHW encourages opioid overdose recognition and response training for individuals in a position to administer naloxone.

Please note that free naloxone kits are contingent upon continued federal and state funding and available supply. Organizations that receive naloxone through this program will be asked to submit brief monthly reports of naloxone distribution, administration, and outcomes. Organizations may request free naloxone by submitting a Naloxone Request Form.

Public library, school, or YMCA?

You may be eligible to receive free naloxone nasal spray from the manufacturer. Learn more about community programs and resources available to these organizations. Learn more.

How the public and individuals can access naloxone in their communities

As of 2019, Idahoans may access naloxone at a pharmacy without a prescription. Please call ahead to your local pharmacy to ensure availability of naloxone and to ask about your co-pay. If you have Medicaid, naloxone is free from the pharmacy. Community-based organizations such as safer syringe programs, substance use disorder treatment, recovery and crisis centers near you may also offer naloxone free to individuals in need, regardless of your insurance status.

Idahoans and individuals can find naloxone in their communities by searching their zip code in IDHW’s services locator tool.

Or visit www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/behavioral-health/naloxone-information

Additional resources

Sample Law Enforcement Naloxone Policy (PDF)
Naloxone Brochure (also available in Spanish)
First Responders Naloxone Guide
Using Naloxone to Reverse Opioid Overdose in the Workplace: Information for Employers and Workers
FAQ Shelf Life Extension and Updated Storage Conditions (PDF)
FAQ Shelf Life Extension and Updated Storage Conditions – September 28, 2020

Program Outcome Reports (Based on naloxone provided with State Opioid Response funding from IDHW Division of Behavioral Health ONLY)

Watch these IDHW videos on how to administer naloxone

Naloxone Instruction Video Injection – Spanish

Naloxone Instruction Video Nasal – English

Naloxone Instruction Video Nasal – Spanish