Naloxone storage
- Follow manufacturer instructions for storing naloxone. Storage instructions may be different.
- Keep naloxone in its box until ready for use.
- Protect from light.
- Store at room temperature below 77°F (25°C).
- Do not freeze or expose to heat above 104°F (40°C).
- Store in a safe location.
Learn more about
Narcan storage.
Naloxone disposal
Unused naloxone
Dispose of unused naloxone at a local pharmacy or through a medicine
take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. Learn more about safe disposal options.
Used naloxone
Nasal spray, such as Narcan: Put the used naloxone nasal spray back into its box. Dispose of it in solid waste trash.
Injectable naloxone: Put the used injectable naloxone back into its original container/box. Used injectable naloxone is considered medical waste and must be disposed of in a sharps disposal bin, such as at a local pharmacy. Do not throw away used injectable naloxone in solid waste trash.
Expired naloxone
Expired naloxone is better than no naloxone.
If you have expired or soon-to-expire intranasal Narcan or injectable (intramuscular) naloxone that has been properly stored, contact a local syringe services program about donating the naloxone. If you have a large amount (10+ doses), you can contact NEXT Distro about donating the naloxone.
Narcan nasal spray shelf-life extension
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an extended shelf-life for the nasal spray formulation of naloxone (Narcan (PDF)) from two years (24 months) to three years (36 months).
The California State Public Health Officer has issued a CDPH statewide standing order to increase access to naloxone. Review the FAQs (PDF) and terms and conditions to determine if your organization or entity should apply here:
CDPH Naloxone Standing Order Application Ā»
An important part of a naloxone distribution program is to provide training to individuals who may give naloxone. Listed below are training resources.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers several naloxone training modules for health care providers. Earn continuing education credits (CE) after completing the full module.
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Training for professionals who will be responsible for educating laypersons about opioid overdose and distributing naloxone in their community.
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Training for program managers and others responsible for the implementation of naloxone distribution systems/OEND in their community.
California laws protect persons who give naloxone and make naloxone more readily available.
A person cannot be liable for any civil damages that result from his or her providing of emergency care, if:
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The person acted in good faith, and not for compensation;
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The person provided either emergency medical care or nonmedical care; and
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The care was provided at the scene of an emergency.
Eliminates civil and criminal liability for:
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Licensed health care providers that prescribe naloxone and issue standing orders for the distribution of naloxone; and
- Individuals that administer naloxone to someone suspected of experiencing an overdose after receiving it along with required training.āā
California Senate Bill (SB) 833 (Chapter 30, Statutes of 2016) added Part 6.2, Section 1179.80 to the California Health & Safety Code to require the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to establish the Naloxone Grant Program. The goal of the program was to reduce the number of fatal overdoses in California from opioid drugs, including prescription opioids and heroin, by increasing access to the life-saving drug naloxone. The California Legislature allocated a one-time appropriation of $3 million from the General Fund in the Budget Act of 2016 to support this program through June 30, 2019. See the Naloxone Grant Program Final Report (PDF).
Clinicians
When to Offer Naloxone to Patients (CDC, PDF)
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This fact sheet outlines factors that can put patients prescribed opioids or who use illicit opioids at a higher risk for opioid-related harms.
When to Offer Naloxone to Patients in the Emergency Department (CDC, PDF)
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This fact sheet described for emergency department staff when to offer naloxone and highlights factors that can put patients at a higher risk for overdose.
Talking About Naloxone with Patients Prescribed Opioids (CDC, PDF)
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This guide offers tips to help providers communicate the benefits of naloxone to patients, family members, and caregivers.
Healthcare Administrators
Increase Naloxone Prescribing in your Health System (CDC, PDF)
- This fact sheet focuses on the role healthcare executives play in supporting training and education for clinicians on naloxone and opioid use disorder. Offers strategies to increase naloxone prescribing.
Pharmacists
The Pharmacists' Role in Naloxone Dispensing (CDC, PDF)
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This fact sheet focuses on the role of pharmacists in naloxone dispensing including when to offer naloxone to patients.
Family Members and Caregivers
What you Need to Know about Naloxone (CDC, PDF)
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This fact sheet provides general facts about naloxone including where to get it and how to prevent an overdose.
How and When to Use Naloxone for an Opioid Overdose (CDC, PDF)
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This fact sheet discusses how to identify an overdose and use naloxone, and includes the side effects of naloxone.
How to Save a Life with Naloxone (CDC, PDF)
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This guide offers examples to help you start a conversation with a clinician or pharmacist about how to obtain naloxone, when to use it, and where to find training on giving naloxone.