https://www.vox.com/23855543/narcan-naloxone-over-the-counter-walgreens-cost-use-overdose-opioid
In just a few days, drugstores like Walgreens will have it in stock, for everyone. Here’s how to use it, and who it will help.
In just a few days, drugstores like Walgreens will have it in stock, for everyone. Here’s how to use it, and who it will help.
This is a good step forward for accessibility, but unfortunately, the $50 price tag will still put it out of the hands of many who need it. It should be handed out, for free, to anybody who wants it. There's zero downsides. It cannot be misused, diverted, or abused. It has no other uses. It has no effect on someone not ODing. It cannot benefit anyone in any possible way... unless they are actually dying right now. If we were serious about saving lives, we would be gladly giving it out. Hell, put it in free vending machines on the street. It would be the ultimate pro-life move. But, of course, in a capitalist hellscape, profit motive is of utmost importance. How about drug cos. making billions off opiods foot the bill? Thankfully, there are many great harm reduction organizations that do hand it out free, but the easier to get, the less people die. I recommend anyone pick up some, if you can find it for free, even if you don't think you'd need it. Home/work/car, you never know what might happen in your vicinity. It's like the modern Heimlich Maneuver. Ok... that's my PSA for the day.
Replying to top comment for vis:
All you said is correct. Quick PSA, narcan is a temporary opioid blocker. If you administer narcan to an actual OD patient, they will rise to a higher level of consciousness. They may even be able to walk and talk.
They NEED to go to the hospital though, the opioids are still in their system, and once the narcan wears off they can drop into respiratory distress again.
Seriously, you can just inject it without any harm?
I was at the CNE in Toronto recently and they had a free narcan table. The person was busy so I walked by. Now i regret not waiting
The city I live in has a fairly bad homeless problem and drug use that comes with it. Just last week I walked past some office workers who had to call an ambulance on a guy that was having troubles, not sure what the trouble was. The guy seemed out of it but was eating a sandwich but just out of it. The ambulance showed up as I walked past. And this is a common sight at lunch.
I should have grabbed a kit just in case
Initially, it was only given by injection, but now it's common in the nasal spray. That's what's great about the nasal route, it's unintimidating and you can't fuck it up. ...I guess unless you squirt it in their ear or something. lol
My parents have plenty of stories to tell of patients dying of an OD being pissed at them for 'ruining their high'