Potentially lifesaving drug
Source: Snohomish Health District
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – In 2013 there were 86 opioid drug overdoses in Snohomish County, and 580 within Washington State. The availability of naloxone (sold under the brand name Narcan) could potentially cut down on deaths due to heroin and prescription opioid drugs (morphine, oxycodone/OxyContin, methadone, hydrocodone/Vicodin, and codeine). The Washington State 911 Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Law lets bystanders give naloxone if they suspect an overdose. This law protects the victim and those helping from prosecution for drug possession. Washington State law states that anyone at risk for having or witnessing a drug overdose can obtain an overdose reversal kit (containing naloxone). This would include drug users, family, and friends. Naloxone cannot be used to get high and is not addictive.
Naloxone is available as an easy to use nasal spray that is given to someone who is exhibiting the symptoms of a drug overdose:
· Excessive sleepiness
· Not responding when someone rubs the middle of the chest
· Shallow breaths or not breathing
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute at the University of Washington offers additional information on Naloxone and its uses at www.stopoverdose.org.
Naloxone kits are now available at a number of pharmacies in Snohomish County. These kits are available just by asking the pharmacists, there is no need to see a doctor to obtain a prescription. The cost of the kits is around $125. Pharmacists will provide education to those being given a Naloxone kit on how to use it and when to use it. Below is a list of the pharmacies that currently carry the kits:
|
Providence Pharmacy
19200 N Kelsey St
Monroe, WA
3601-794-5555
QFC Pharmacy
27008 92nd Ave NW
Stanwood, WA
360-629-0662
|
Haggen Pharmacy
3711 88th St NE
Marysville, WA
360-530-7761
Bellegrove Pharmacy
18800 142nd Ave NE
Woodinville WA
425-455-2123
|
According to Dr. Gary Goldbaum, Snohomish County’s Health Officer and Director of the Snohomish Health District, “Even a single death due to opioid overdose is unacceptable.” Although helping drug users to quit is the best approach, Dr. Goldbaum notes that “Naloxone can be life-saving.” He urges anyone who has a friend or family member who uses drugs to consider keeping Naloxone easily accessible.
You can find more information about injection drug use on our website at http://www.snohd.org/Diseases-Risks/Injection-Drug-Use