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Naloxone
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose of opioids—including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications when given in time. Naloxone is easy to use and small to carry. There are two forms of naloxone - prefilled nasal spray and injectable. For more basic information on Naloxone, view our Resources section below.
For frequently asked questions about Naloxone, view our FAQs section below.
Naloxone in Alabama
HB208 was signed into law in 2015, providing immunity for prescribing and administering an opioid antagonist, such as naloxone. In 2016, HB379 was signed into law in 2016, providing the State Health Officer or a county health officer the authority to write a standing order for dispensing naloxone.
Read the Standing Order from the State Health Officer on Naloxone distribution for overdose prevention and download the Naloxone Client form (found on page 6 of the standing order). The Standing Order also allows bulk dispensing to first responders. The Naloxone Agency Form is found on page 7.
Naloxone Training
- Online Naloxone training is available for first responders and others.
- Instructions for administering Narcan® are available. (Spanish)
- Information for administering Kloxxado® is available.
- Naloxone and/or Fentanyl Test Strip Training Registration (For Jefferson County)
Overdose Response Resource Cards
These cards were developed for first responders to give to those who would benefit from free naloxone, including friends, family, or communities that may encounter overdoses. Resources for treatment, recovery and free naloxone are listed on the card.
- Online training with an instructional video and instructions for requesting free naloxone that will be mailed to their home.
- ROSS Helpline number where help is available 24/7.
- RRC provides information and resources.
Download a copy of the Overdose Response Resource Card
Resources
- Odds Are Alabama Campaign
- National Institutes of Health - Naloxone
- Lifesaving Naloxone (CDC)
- Rx Awareness (CDC)
- Naloxone (SAMHSA)
- Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit (SAMHSA)
- Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit in Spanish (SAMSHA)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Standing Order which serves as the prescription should be retained and filed as any other prescription. The Naloxone Client Form should be completed, signed by the recipient of naloxone, and retained by the pharmacy or agency (see page 6 of the standing order).
By signing the Naloxone Client Form, the recipient acknowledges that he/she has:
- Received information on how to recognize and respond to a possible opioid overdose.
- Received basic information on how to administer naloxone.
- Been offered information/counseling on risk factors for opioid overdose, overdose prevention measures, risk and recognition of addiction, and resources for mental health and addiction treatment services.
The pharmacist should provide all of the above.
- Patients with a history of overdosing.
- Patients with a history of opioid use disorder.
- Patients whose daily opioid dose is greater than 50 morphine equivalents.
- Patients taking an opioid and a benzodiazepine.
The naloxone standing order allows the pharmacist to choose the naloxone kit that is best for the patient or caregiver. See page 2 of the Standing Order for a description of each kit.
Alabama Code §20-2-280 states that a physician or dentist who prescribes, a pharmacist who dispenses, and an individual who administers an opioid antagonist in good faith to an individual at risk of experiencing an opiate-related overdose or to a family member, friend, or another individual, including law enforcement, in a position to assist an individual at risk of experiencing an opiate-related overdose is immune from civil or criminal liability.
The Standing Order allows unlimited refills.
The Alabama Department of Mental Health provides a list of treatment and prevention providers. The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program also provides resources for the public.
State Pharmacy Director Nancy Bishop, RPh
Office: 1-877-703-9869
Email
Page last updated: March 17, 2023
