International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event observed every year on August 31. Its purpose is to end overdoses, raise awareness of the risks of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and acknowledge the grief of those left behind.

Overdose Awareness Day is a good opportunity for people to check their first aid kits and make sure naloxone is in the first aid supplies.

This year, Intermountain Health is making access to life-saving naloxone easier and more convenient for families in Utah and Idaho with its new Naloxone on Demand program.

Naloxone on Demand is a free program that aims to make the life-saving medication quickly available so that anyone who may be experiencing an opioid overdose has this life-saving medication and help available at home.

All you need is the following:

• Fill out the online application form here (only takes a few minutes).
• Ask a pharmacist for advice by telephone.
• Provide your prescription drug insurance information.
• The medication will then be delivered to your door.

Why Naloxone?

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of an overdose of prescription opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, morphine and fentanyl, as well as heroin. It works by temporarily reducing the effects of the medication so that patients can get to a medical facility.

Naloxone, sometimes known as Narcan, is an important medication to have on hand if you or a family member is taking opioids.

“Intermountain Health has expanded its focus on naloxone and naloxone education to improve patient safety and is working with providers, clinicians and pharmacists to facilitate conversations about naloxone with all patients who receive an opioid prescription,” said Emma Murter, PharmD, clinical pharmacist at Intermountain Health. “Anyone who takes an opioid for any reason is at risk of opioid overdose, even those who take opioids exactly as prescribed.”

Having an opioid prescription in the home also puts others at risk, such as children or pets who may accidentally ingest the medication. Family members or friends are also potentially at risk of accidental ingestion or an intentional overdose.

“Naloxone is as important as having a fire extinguisher in the house,” said Kim Compagni, assistant vice president of pain management at Intermountain Health. “You never want to think that something like this could happen to you, your family or your child, but it can happen. We want everyone to be prepared.”

What are the signs of an opioid overdose?

Many overdoses are unintentional and can occur even when medications are taken as directed. An overdose may cause some or all of the symptoms listed below.

Remember the acronym SMELL:

• Don’t SPEAK – They cannot be aroused and do not react to painful stimuli.
• No movement– does not respond.
• EYES Pinhead-sized pupils – the pupils do not increase in size when the eyelid is opened.
• LIPS blue-grey, cold or moist skin – lack of oxygen.
• LUNG Respiratory depression – very slow or gurgling breathing and eventually no breathing.

When should naloxone be administered?

If you think someone has overdosed:

• Call 911
• Perform ventilation
• Administer naloxone if available
• If vomiting occurs, lay the person on their side
• If necessary, administer a second dose of naloxone after three minutes
• Do not leave until help arrives

How should naloxone be used?

There are two different methods of administering naloxone – nasal spray and intramuscular injection.

Is naloxone covered by insurance?

Naloxone is covered by most insurance companies. After the insurance company bills you, you will be responsible for the cost yourself. Naloxone is also available over the counter and no insurance is required for this option.

How much does it cost to have Naloxone delivered to my home?

Intermountain does not charge for this service – you only pay the cost of the medication after any insurance benefits have been deducted. If you choose the over-the-counter option, you will have to cover the cost of the medication yourself. Delivery of the medication to your home is free of charge through the Intermountain Home Delivery pharmacy. The medication will be delivered to your home within 4-5 business days.

For more information about naloxone, click here. To sign up for Naloxone on Demand from Intermountain Health, click here.