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KEY POINTS
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Type of medicine: narcotic (opioid) antagonist
Generic and brand names: naloxone hydrochloride, auto-injection; Evzio
This medicine is given by injection (shot) to reverse the effects of a narcotic overdose. The medicine has no effect in people who are not taking narcotic medicines.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without discussing with your healthcare provider.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about how to use this medicine. Be sure you know when to use the medicine and how to use the injector. Carefully follow the instructions. If you are not sure how to use this medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.
People who may have to give this medicine in a narcotic overdose emergency should know where the medicine is stored and how to give the medicine before an emergency happens. Each injector contains only 1 dose of medicine. The signs and symptoms of a narcotic overdose emergency can return within several minutes after this medicine is given. If this happens, you may need to give additional injections using a new injector every 2 to 3 minutes and continue to closely watch the person until emergency help arrives. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
After use of this medicine, someone should call 911 right away, even if you wake up.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
You need to be watched very closely after you receive this medicine. After use of this medicine, someone should call 911 right away, even if you wake up. This medicine may cause withdrawal symptoms or may wear off before the narcotic leaves your system. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Trouble breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, body aches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, sweating, constant yawning, nervousness, stomach cramps, weakness, severe dizziness or fainting, seizures, excessive crying or severe muscle twitching (in infants).
Other: Runny nose, sneezing, shivering, restlessness, mild dizziness.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep it nearby so that it can be used quickly to treat an overdose. Check the medicine regularly to make sure that it does not have particles, or look discolored or cloudy. If the medicine has these problems, or if it is past the expiration date, replace it as soon as possible.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.