Narcan: How It Saves Lives The Importance
Narcan is important because it can save an individual’s life when exposed to life threatening doses of opioids. It restores the ability to breathe when over- dosing. This drug has been pivotal to saving lives since 1961, and Narcan has become more popular to use over the years. “Families with loved ones who have opioid addiction should have naloxone nearby; ask their family member to carry it; and let friends know where it is. People should still call 911 immedi- ately in the event of an overdose” (National Institute of Drug Abuse).
How It Works Narcan absorbs the opioids before they enter someone’s system, stop- ping a lethal dose of the drugs from harming an individual. While Narcan is a brand, the drug is known as Nal- oxone. Opioids affect the respiratory system, forcing someone to stop breathing during an overdose. Nal- oxone restores the ability to breathe to someone who is overdosing, which is the life saving quality of the drug. “People who are given nalox- one should be observed constantly until emergency care arrives. They should be monitored for another 2 hours after the last dose of naloxone is given to make sure breathing does not slow or stop” (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online