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General naloxone information

Learn more about naloxone.

Where can I learn how to respond to an overdose?

There are many resources available to learn how to administer naloxone, recognize the signs and symptoms of an overdose, and respond to an opioid overdose including:

How should naloxone be stored?
  • Naloxone nasal spray should be stored in the blister packs and cartons provided. 
  • Ideal storage is between temperatures below 77°F (25°C) and excursions up to 104°F (40°C). 
  • Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat above 104°F (40°C). Keep away from direct light. 
  • Naloxone nasal spray freezes at temperatures below 5°F (-15°C). If this happens, the device will not spray.  However, it may be thawed by allowing it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, and it may still be used if it has been thawed after being previously frozen.

Source: Narcan Frequently Asked Questions (Narcan website)
 

Should expired naloxone be thrown away?
  • Expired naloxone is better than no naloxone. 
  • According to the United States Pharmacopeia standards, expired naloxone retains its ability to reverse an overdose effectively and safely for nearly 30 years beyond its expiration date when properly stored.
  • Shelf life and storage vary from product to product. 
  • Please visit the brand website for more information on your product’s shelf life and storage conditions. 

Source: Pruyn S, Frey J, Baker B, Brodeur M, Graichen C, Long H, Zheng H, Dailey MW. Quality Assessment of Expired Naloxone Products from First-Responders' Supplies. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2019 Sep-Oct;23(5):647-653. doi: 10.1080/10903127.2018.1563257. Epub 2019 Feb 4. PMID: 30596290.

What if my agency or organizational policy does not allow the use of expired products?
  • If your agency or organization policy does not allow you to use expired products, we encourage you to donate your expired naloxone to local and national organizations.

What are my legal protections if I administer naloxone?
  • C.R.S. §13-21-108.7 and C.R.S. §18-1-712 provide information about using expired naloxone in Colorado. 
  • According to the Network for Public Health Law, "Colorado does not prohibit the prescribing, possession, or use of expired naloxone obtained via a valid individual prescription or standing order. Colorado does prohibit pharmacists from dispensing expired medications, including naloxone; however, the naloxone access law explicitly provides that dispensing naloxone as permitted by that law does not constitute unprofessional conduct."

Do you offer naloxone training?

The CDPHE Overdose Prevention Unit hosts a Monthly Virtual Naloxone Training.

  • Register to participate in a 30-minute live training covering the basics of how to recognize and respond to opioid overdose. Naloxone can quickly restore breathing and can prevent death in cases of opioid overdose. It is an important tool now available over the counter at your local pharmacy.  An additional 15 minutes will be provided after the end of the training for Q&A. *Training is open to the general public, particularly those who may not have local access to live naloxone training.