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Naloxone

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Precautions

Before using naloxone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Since untreated opioid overdose can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, this medication may be used during pregnancy. However, naloxone may cause opioid withdrawal in your unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away that you used this medication, so you and your unborn baby can be monitored. Ask your doctor for details.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Nasal dryness, swelling, or stuffy nose may occur. Muscle/joint pain or headache may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this product, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

In someone who has been using an opioid regularly, withdrawal symptoms can happen suddenly after receiving this medication. Withdrawal symptoms may include body aches, fever, sweating, watering eyes, runny nose, sneezing, goose bumps, yawning, weakness, shivering/trembling, nervousness, restlessness, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, stomach cramps, increased blood pressure, fast heartbeat. In babies younger than 4 weeks who have been receiving an opioid regularly, sudden opioid withdrawal may be life threatening if not treated the right way. Symptoms in babies may include seizures, crying more than usual, and muscle twitching/spasms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.