Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a drug used to reverse the effects an opioid overdose. Carrying it can help save someone's life. It can restore normal breathing to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped.
Opioids are a type of drug which includes prescription painkillers, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl, nitazenes and methadone.
Anyone can carry and use naloxone. No special training is required.
Tips to Prevent Overdose
Get Naloxone
Syringe service clients
If you use drugs of any kind, get free fentanyl test strips and overdose rescue kits from Multnomah County syringe services»
If you use prescription opioids
Ask your healthcare provider (or your loved one's provider) to also prescribe naloxone. Oregon Health Plan and most insurers provide coverage for this life-saving medication.
Friends and family members
In Oregon, anyone can get naloxone from a pharmacist without seeing a healthcare provider first, and your insurance may cover it. You can also:
Responding to an overdose
Know the signs of an opioid overdose, which may include shallow breath, turning pale, blue or grey, choking or vomiting. If a person is unconscious and does not respond to stimulation:
- Call 9-1-1
- Perform rescue breathing
- Administer naloxone
Oregon’s Good Samaritan Overdose Law
If someone overdoses and you call for medical help, you cannot be arrested or prosecuted for:
- Possessing drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Being in a place where drugs are used
- Violating probation or parole because of drug use or possession
- Outstanding warrant because of drug use or possession
Learn to Use Naloxone
To schedule a free training for your group, contact hope@multco.us. Available in-person and online.
More Information
- Save Lives Oregon
- Understanding Naloxone - Harm Reduction Coalition
- Naloxone Overview - National Institute on Drug Abuse
Research: