What is Narcan?

Narcan is a particular brand name of a medication called naloxone. When naloxone was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015 to reverse opioid overdoses, the specific formula was introduced to the market under the brand name Narcan. Almost ten years later, there are various formulations of naloxone available such as RiVive, Kloxxado, and Zimhi. However, many people unknowingly refer to these other brands as Narcan as well. It is important to understand that the generic name of the medication is naloxone.

Opioid use has become an epidemic in various cities throughout America. Examples of opioids include heroine, oxycodone (Oxycontin), fentanyl, hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and codeine. When a person overdoses on opioids they may fall unconscious, begin vomiting, become unable to speak, their heartrate slows, their lips and fingernails may begin to turn purple, pupils may become very small, and their skin may begin to turn pale or blue. Naloxone can be administered as a nasal spray or can be injected into the muscle or vein to rapidly reverse an overdose. It has no effect on the body if the body does not have opioids in its system. It is only to be used in the case of an overdose; it is not a medication made to treat opioid use disorder.  

Anyone in the state of Illinois can receive training to carry and administer naloxone. In fact, many insurance companies cover all or some of the costs of the medication. If you or someone you know struggles with opioid abuse or addiction, it is advised to carry naloxone. It could save your own life or someone else’s. The Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances phone number is 1-833-234-6343. You can also text “HELP” to 833234. The website link is listed in the resources below. The Illinois Helpline can aid in learning how to use and administer naloxone, provide information on distribution sites for naloxone, and help those in need in locating treatment services.

If you would like to speak to a professional counselor or psychologist about opioid use, substance abuse or addiction and reside in Illinois, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 West 167^th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.

Hillary R.,

Masters Level Intern, 2024

Sources –

Illinois helpline. (n.d.-a). https://helplineil.org/app/home

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, February 12). Naloxone drugfacts. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone