Narcan Safety: Precautions for Winter Weather
Freezing temperatures Could Render Life-Saving Narcan Useless, Health Officials Warn
Michigan – As winter’s icy grip tightens across the state, health officials are issuing a critical warning about the effectiveness of Narcan nasal spray, a vital tool in combating opioid overdoses.
District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is urging residents to be aware that freezing temperatures can render Narcan ineffective.
“Narcan is available to residents in our communities via outdoor Narcan Distribution Boxes,” said DHD#10 Health Officer Kevin Hughes. “However, with winter whether and freezing temperatures comes the possibility that the Narcan will freeze. We encourage residents to keep their Narcan nasal spray at room temperature to ensure they’re still prepared to respond to an opioid overdose emergency.”
While frozen Narcan can be thawed and will be safe to use after sitting at room temperature for 15 minutes, time is of the essence in an overdose situation.
In an emergency, do not wait for your Narcan Nasal Spray to thaw. Contact emergency services promptly.
DHD#10 recommends individuals accessing Narcan from outdoor distribution boxes take multiple doses to allow for thawing if needed. This proactive approach can be crucial in ensuring a timely response to an overdose.
To find narcan distribution boxes in your community, visit the DHD#10 website.
Life-Saving Narcan Could be Compromised by Freezing Temperatures, experts warn
michigan – With winter’s arrival, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is sounding the alarm on the potential ineffectiveness of Narcan nasal spray in frigid conditions. The life-saving medication, vital in combating opioid overdoses, can freeze in extreme temperatures, jeopardizing its ability to reverse overdoses.
“While Narcan can be thawed and remains safe for use after 15 minutes at room temperature,time is a critical factor in overdose situations,” stated DHD#10 Health Officer Kevin Hughes. He urged residents to store Narcan at room temperature, especially those obtained from outdoor Narcan Distribution Boxes.
Hughes further advised individuals accessing Narcan from these boxes to take multiple doses to account for potential freezing. “This precautionary measure can be crucial in ensuring a timely response during an overdose emergency,” he emphasized.
For those needing to locate Narcan distribution boxes in their community, the DHD#10 website provides a comprehensive resource.
Remember, in an emergency situation, always contact emergency services immediately. Do not wait for frozen Narcan to thaw.