WHAT IS NARCAN?

  • Narcan is a medication used by medical professional and people who have been trained through the MA Department of Public Health pilot program.
  • Narcan can be given nasally, intravenously, and through intramuscular injection by medical professionals.
  • Narcan can work in 1 to 3 minutes and last 30 to 90 minutes. (It can take longer if multiple drugs have been used or methadone is present.)
  • If it takes longer than 3–5 minutes, a second dose is recommended.
  • Overdose can return; stay with the person or transfer care to emergency personnel.
  • Nasal Narcan is available through a Pilot Program. (See Where to Get Narcan)