Naloxone on Campus

Naloxone, commonly referred to by its brand name, Narcan®, is an FDA approved over-the-counter medication used to intervene in opioid overdose, including fentanyl. Naloxone is one of the most dependable interventions during an opioid overdose and is often administered via nasal spray. It is considered a safe medication with no adverse effects if given to someone who does not have opiates in their system.

Signs of an opioid overdose:

• Unresponsive to voice or touch
• Shallow, slow, or no breathing
• Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
• Blue/grey/purple lips or fingernails
• Small or pinpoint pupils
• Cold and clammy skin

Responding to an opioid overdose:

• Call 911 immediately. Stay with the person until EMS arrives.
• Administer Naloxone.
• Support the person’s breathing. Move the person into recovery position.
• Monitor the person’s response. Give second dose of Naloxone if the person does not respond. 

All KU police officers carry Naloxone and can respond to a potential overdose and follow up with any additional medical intervention. 

Naloxone nasal spray can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies in Kansas, although not all pharmacies carry it. It is available for purchase at Watkins Pharmacy, located in Watkins Memorial Health Center. Purchasing Naloxone is completely confidential. It can be purchased proactively if someone is using opioids without a prescription or not as prescribed.

As a harm reduction strategy and to be proactive, The Health Education Resource Office offers free fentanyl test strips to help prevent overdoses and reduce harm.