What is Naloxone and Where Can I Get it?

Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.

On July 1, 2015, Idaho’s law allowing easier access to naloxone went into effect. Since that time, significant progress has been made in educating prescribers and pharmacists about the new law and their roles in it. Many pharmacies are now stocking naloxone and prescribers and pharmacists are becoming more knowledgeable and comfortable recommending and dispensing the medication. The next step is 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.

In Idaho, anyone with a valid reason can ask for a prescription for Naloxone from a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist. The Naloxone does not need to be intended for your own use.

Someone who administers Naloxone to a person who appears to be experiencing an opioid overdose is legally protected by Idaho’s Naloxone Access Law and Idaho’s Good Samaritan Law.

Narcan nasal spray

Eastern Idaho Public Health Naloxone Training Video

This video is an abbreviated version of the in-person Naloxone Training offered by Eastern Idaho Public Health. In this training, you will learn about: availability of Naloxone, opioid overdose warning signs, how to administer and access Naloxone, and the Idaho Good Samaritan Law.

For questions regarding this training, please contact EIPH’s Drug Overdose Prevention Program Coordinator at: mjohnson@eiph.idaho.gov.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) administers naloxone grants to organizations in Idaho. DHW’s naloxone request form can be found here.

Individuals with Idaho Medicaid can get naloxone for free at the pharmacy. The individual with Idaho Medicaid, family, or friends may request a prescription at their local pharmacy. Bring the Medicaid number and patient name with you. For a list of pharmacies in your area, visit EIPH’s resource list or DHW’s service and resource list.

 

Free Naloxone in Eastern Idaho:

Center for Hope: 530 E. Anderson St. in Idaho Falls.

Eastern Idaho Public Health provides information and presentations to community members and organizations about the current state of opioid use in Idaho, safe storage and disposal of prescription opioids, illicit opioids, opioid overdose warning signs, availability of naloxone, how to administer naloxone, and Idaho’s Good Samaritan Law. Presentations include overdose recognition and demonstrations of nasal naloxone.

To schedule a training or for questions, call Mallory Johnson at (208) 533-3221.