Naloxone, the overdose reversal medicine
Naloxone is a life-saving emergency medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. If someone has used drugs like heroin, methadone, morphine or other opioid painkillers and stops breathing properly, naloxone can give you vital extra time until an ambulance arrives.
At Wirral Ways, we offer free naloxone kits and training for people who use opioids, their family and friends, and professionals who might come across overdoses in their work.
What is naloxone
Naloxone is a medicine that quickly blocks the effects of opioids such as:
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Heroin
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Methadone
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Morphine and codeine
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Buprenorphine
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Other opioid painkillers
If someone has overdosed on opioids, a dose of naloxone can help them start breathing more normally again and may save their life. It is not a substitute for medical care, so you should always call 999 for an ambulance straight away.
Naloxone only works on opioids. It will not reverse the effects of non-opioid drugs such as cocaine, benzodiazepines or alcohol.
Who naloxone is for
Naloxone is for anyone who might witness an opioid overdose, including:
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People who use heroin or other opioids
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People who take prescribed opioids, for example for pain
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Friends, family members and partners
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Staff and volunteers who support people who use drugs
You do not need to be a doctor or nurse to use naloxone. With brief training, anyone can use it in an emergency.
Naloxone and synthetic opioids
Drug supplies are changing across the UK. Very strong synthetic opioids have been found in different drugs, including powders, pills and bags sold as something else. People might not realise they have taken an opioid at all.
If you are unsure what someone has taken but you think they might be overdosing, you can still give naloxone. It will not harm them if opioids are not involved, and it could save their life if they are.
Get a free naloxone kit from Wirral Ways
You can get a free naloxone kit and training through Wirral Ways.
When you visit or contact us, a trained member of staff will:
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Talk with you about overdose risks and how to reduce them
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Show you how to recognise an overdose
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Teach you how to store and use naloxone
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Answer any questions you might have
Training can be very quick, often around 10 minutes, and we can adapt it to your needs.
If you are already supported by Wirral Ways, you can usually request extra kits for people close to you, such as family, partners, housemates or friends. We will give you a bit more training so you can show them how to use it safely.
If you use your kit, or it is lost, damaged, or out of date, you can come back to us for a replacement.
The two main types of naloxone kits
There are two main types of naloxone kit. They work in the same way in the body but are used differently.
Prenoxad (injection)
Comes as a pre-filled syringe
Given by injecting into the outer thigh or upper arm muscle
Can be given through clothing if needed
Nyxoid (nasal spray)
Comes as a single-use nasal spray
Given by placing the nozzle in one nostril and pressing the plunger once
How to use naloxone in an emergency
If someone might be overdosing, try to keep calm and follow these steps.
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Check the scene is safe
Make sure you are not in danger first. Look out for traffic, uncapped needles, aggressive behaviour or other risks. -
Call 999 for an ambulance
Tell them you think someone has taken drugs and might be overdosing. Give the location and follow their advice. -
Check their breathing and airway
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Look, listen and feel for breathing
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Check their mouth for anything blocking the airway (for example food or vomit)
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Gently tilt their head back if you know how to do this safely
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Put them in the recovery position
If they are breathing but very unresponsive, place them on their side, with their head supported and their airway open. -
Give naloxone
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If you have Prenoxad, inject into the outer thigh or upper arm
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If you have Nyxoid, place the spray in their nostril and press the plunger fully
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Stay with them and be ready to give another dose
Naloxone usually starts to work within 2 to 3 minutes. If there is no improvement after 2 to 3 minutes and you have been told it is safe to do so, you can give another dose from the kit if it contains one. The ambulance call handler may also guide you. -
Wait for the ambulance
Stay with the person, keep checking their breathing and level of response, and give the used kit to the paramedics when they arrive.
Remember, naloxone only works for a short time, usually 20 to 40 minutes. After that, the opioids can start to affect the person again and they can go back into overdose. They must get medical help.
Signs of an opioid overdose
Call 999 immediately and use naloxone if you notice:
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Deep, heavy snoring or gurgling sounds
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Difficult or slow breathing, or no breathing at all
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You cannot wake the person up, even if you shake them or shout their name
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Blue or grey lips, fingertips or nail beds
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Their body is floppy and unresponsive
If you are worried, it is always better to act. If it turns out not to be an overdose, the ambulance crew will simply check them over.
You should not avoid calling an ambulance because you are afraid of getting into trouble. The priority is saving a life. Police are not usually called unless there is a specific serious risk that needs their involvement.
Important things to remember
Naloxone can save a life in an opioid overdose but it is not a cure
Always call 999, even if the person wakes up and seems fine
The effects wear off after 20 to 40 minutes, so the person can overdose again
Naloxone only works with opioids, not other drugs
Do not use naloxone as a reason to take more risks with drugs
Get naloxone, help and advice from Wirral Ways
If you live in Wirral and are affected by drug use, or you support someone who is, we are here for you.
At Wirral Ways you can:
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Get a free naloxone kit and training
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Talk confidentially about drug use and overdose risks
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Get support with your physical and mental health
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Be linked in with other services, support groups and harm reduction advice
You can find out how to contact us, our opening times and our locations on the rest of the Wirral Ways website. If you are unsure whether naloxone is right for you, get in touch and we can talk it through together.
