Naloxone at UW-Platteville

Naloxone (also known as Narcan®) is a life-saving medication that should be used in response to an opioid overdose. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing on opioid medications, heroin, or other drugs that have been mixed or laced with synthetic opioids, including fentanyl.

When naloxone was first approved to reverse opioid overdoses, its brand name was “Narcan.” There are now other formulations and brand names for naloxone, but many people continue to call all of these products “Narcan.” However, the proper generic name is “naloxone.”

Yes. Nalox-ZONE boxes, containing naloxone (Narcan), are installed in multiple locations on the UW-Platteville campus. The contents are free to use and available to anyone who might need, or think they’ll need, this rescue medication for themselves or someone else.

NARCAN® Nasal Spray has recently been approved as an over-the-counter treatment. For more information, please visit narcan.com. You can also obtain Narcan at any pharmacy.

If you think someone is overdosing, immediately call 911. Administer naloxone according to the instructions on the package. Stay with the person until emergency help arrives.

No one who accesses the Nalox-ZONE boxes is identified.

Opioids continue to be the main cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States, including Wisconsin. Despite progress in addressing the opioid epidemic over the past few years, the number of reported suspected opioid overdoses has been increasing in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. UW-Platteville has made naloxone available to protect our students and university community and provide resources that can be life saving for people experiencing a medical emergency

Yes, naloxone is safe. Naloxone can be safely administered to people of all ages.

You do not need to be trained to use naloxone. You should follow the instructions on the package to administer naloxone properly and safely.

For more information about how to administer naloxone, you can watch a short instructional video by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.

Naloxone won’t harm someone if they’re overdosing on drugs other than opioids; therefore, it is best to administer naloxone if you think someone is overdosing. You should also call 911 for emergency medical assistance.

No. Naloxone can reverse only an overdose from opioids.

The naloxone dose should take effect in two to three (2 to 3) minutes. If the person in distress does not respond, administer another dose, switching nostrils.

More than one dose might be needed under some circumstances, especially if an overdose event involves fentanyl-related substances.

Naloxone may cause withdrawal symptoms or unpleasant physical reactions, in people who are physically dependent on opioids. Withdrawal symptoms can include fever, anxiety, irritability, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors.

Yes, you should call 911 if you suspect a person is overdosing, and if you administer naloxone. The person is experiencing an emergency medical issue and will require urgent medical assistance. Please call 911 and stay with the person until help arrives.

Under 2015 Wisconsin Act 279, a person cannot be held civilly liable for a good faith effort to help in a life-threatening situation. State law also provides limited immunity from criminal prosecution for certain amounts of controlled substance possession and the possession of drug paraphernalia for a person who aids someone experiencing an overdose from a controlled substance.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder, you can get help. You can find resources here.