Combining naloxone and benzodiazepine drugs is risky, especially if the person has respiratory depression, as benzodiazepines contribute to respiratory depression. The combination can be fatal if not treated promptly. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if a person is experiencing signs of overdose, which may include loss of consciousness, slow or shallow breathing, and blue or purple fingernails or lips.
Fentanyl and Naloxone: A Lifesaving Combination in the Fight Against Opioid Crisis Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid about 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, is driving the current rise in overdose deaths in the US. Naloxone is an opioid overdose-reversal medication that can rapidly restore normal breathing. Given its potency, fentanyl overdoses often require multiple doses of naloxone. Combining fentanyl and naloxone into a single product is a promising strategy to combat the overdose crisis. Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, without the user's knowledge. The result can be a fatal overdose. Naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, including those caused by fentanyl. Naloxone is a safe and effective medication with few side effects. It can be administered by injection, nasal spray, or auto-injector. Naloxone is available without a prescription in many states. The combination of fentanyl and naloxone in a single product is a promising approach to preventing overdose deaths. Such products are easier to use and more likely to be available when an overdose occurs. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, help is available. Talk to your doctor or visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website for more information.
When to call 911 in case of opioid overdose. An essential first step is to get help from someone with medical expertise as soon as possible. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know exhibits any of the signs below.
Prescription drug costs can be a significant barrier to accessing necessary medications, including opioids. The high cost of prescription drugs can make it difficult for people to afford their medications, leading to underuse or non-adherence. This can have serious consequences, including increased pain, disability, and even death. There are a number of factors that contribute to the high cost of prescription drugs, including the high cost of research and development, the monopoly power of pharmaceutical companies, and the lack of generic competition. These factors have led to a situation where the cost of many prescription drugs has far outpaced the rate of inflation. There are a number of things that can be done to address the high cost of prescription drugs, including increasing competition, regulating the prices of drugs, and providing financial assistance to people who cannot afford their medications. By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that everyone has access to the medications they need to stay healthy.
Reducing overdose risk by encouraging providers and persons at high risk, as well as their family members, to learn how to prevent and manage opioid overdose.
- Unconsciousness or inability to awaken - Slow or shallow breathing or difficulty breathing - Fingernails or lips turning blue/purple