USES: This medication is used for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid (narcotic) overdose. Serious overdose symptoms may include unusual sleepiness, unusual difficulty waking up, or breathing problems (ranging from slow/shallow breathing to no breathing). Other symptoms of overdose may include very small "pinpoint" pupils, slow heartbeat, or low blood pressure. If someone has serious overdose symptoms but you are not sure if he or she has overdosed, give this medication right away anyway, since lasting slow/shallow breathing may cause permanent damage to the brain or death. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid antagonists. It works by blocking the effects of the opioid in the brain. This medication may not work as well to block the effects of certain types of opioids (mixed agonist/antagonists such as buprenorphine, pentazocine). With these types of opioids, blocking may be incomplete or you may need a higher dose of naloxone. The effects of naloxone will not last as long as the effects of the opioid. Since treatment with this medication is not long-lasting, be sure to get medical help right away after giving the first dose of naloxone. Treatment of opioid overdose should also include breathing treatment (such as oxygen given through tubes in the nose, mechanical ventilation, artificial respiration).

How to use NALOXONE AUTO-INJECTOR - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: See also Uses section. Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist when you get this medication and each time you get a refill. Be sure to keep this medication handy in case it is needed. Learn ahead of time how to properly inject this medication and practice with the trainer device so you will be ready to use naloxone if needed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. The solution in this product should be clear. Check this product visually for particles or discoloration from time to time. If the solution is cloudy, discolored, or contains solid particles, replace it with a new auto-injector. (See also Storage section.) Avoid accidentally injecting this medication into your hands or areas of the body other than the thigh. If this happens, tell the healthcare professional right away. The effects of this medication are rapid but not long-lasting. After giving naloxone, get medical help right away, even if the person wakes up. If symptoms return after giving an injection, give another naloxone injection using a new auto-injector every 2 to 3 minutes if available. Each auto-injector contains only one dose and cannot be reused. Continue to closely watch the person until emergency help is received. Tell the healthcare professional that you have given an injection of naloxone.