What is an opioid emergency?
Know the signs of an opioid overdose
Opioids, a drug class used for pain management, can affect the part of the brain that controls breathing. An opioid overdose can cause severe injury or death. It’s important to use Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray immediately if opioid overdose signs or symptoms are present. Be familiar with these three symptoms to recognize an opioid overdose:
Very small, “pinpoint” pupils
Unusual sleepiness or unconsciousness
Slow or
shallow breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Pale, blue or cold skin
Blue nails or lips
Very small, “pinpoint” pupils
Unusual sleepiness or unconsciousness
Slow or shallow breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Pale, blue or cold skin
Blue nails or lips
Several factors may put one at higher risk of an opioid overdose, including
- Having an opioid use disorder
- Injecting opioids
- Starting to take opioids after a long period of abstinence (i.e., following detox or incarceration)
- Using prescription opioids without supervision of a healthcare provider
- Taking highly prescribed doses of opioids
- Using opioids with alcohol and/or other medicines that suppress respiratory function
- Having concurrent mental health conditions or medical conditions, such as HIV or liver or lung disease
