IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray?
Naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid medicines. The medicine in naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray has no effect in people who are not taking opioid medicines. Always carry naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray with you in case of an opioid emergency.
1. Use naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray right away if you or your caregiver think signs or symptoms of an opioid emergency are present, even if you are not sure, because an opioid emergency can cause severe injury or death. Signs and symptoms of an opioid emergency may include:
- unusual sleepiness and you are not able to awaken the person with a loud voice or by rubbing firmly on the middle of their chest (sternum)
- breathing problems including slow or shallow breathing in someone difficult to awaken or who looks like they are not breathing
- the black circle in the center of the colored part of the eye (pupil) is very small, sometimes called “pinpoint pupils,” in someone difficult to awaken
2. Family members, caregivers, or other people who may have to use naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray in an opioid emergency should know where naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is stored and how to give naloxone hydrochloride before an opioid emergency happens.
3. Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray. Rescue breathing or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) may be given while waiting for emergency medical help.
4. The signs and symptoms of an opioid emergency can return after naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is given. If this happens, give another dose after 2 to 3 minutes using a new naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray and watch the person closely until emergency help is received.
Who should not use naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray?
Do not use naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray if you are allergic to naloxone hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray. See the end of the Patient Information Leaflet found at the end of the Prescribing Information for a complete list of ingredients in naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray?
Before using naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have heart problems
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray may cause withdrawal symptoms in your unborn baby. Your unborn baby should be examined by a healthcare provider right away after you use naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if naloxone hydrochloride passes into your breast milk.
Tell your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What are the possible side effects of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray?
Naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray may cause serious side effects, including:
- Sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms. In someone who has been using opioids regularly, opioid withdrawal symptoms can happen suddenly after receiving naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray and may include: body aches, diarrhea, increased heart rate, fever, runny nose, sneezing, goose bumps, sweating, yawning, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, restlessness or irritability, shivering or trembling, stomach cramping, weakness, or increased blood pressure.
In infants under 4 weeks old who have been receiving opioids regularly, sudden opioid withdrawal may be life-threatening if not treated the right way. Signs and symptoms include: seizures, crying more than usual, and increased reflexes.
These are not all of the possible side effects of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
APPROVED USES
What is naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray?
- Naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of an opioid emergency such as an overdose or a possible opioid overdose with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond.
- Naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is to be given right away and does not take the place of emergency medical care. Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray, even if the person wakes up.
- Naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is safe and effective in children for known or suspected opioid overdose.
Please read the Patient Information Leaflet in the full Prescribing Information.