Fentanyl is a powerful opioid, like heroin or morphine, but 50 - 100 times stronger. It is a prescription painkiller used to treat severe pain, especially after surgery. Fentanyl has recently been in the news because of overdose deaths linked to people unknowingly taking dangerous amounts that were mixed with other drugs or medication. This is causing overdose deaths in Santa Clara County and throughout the country.​​

 

Naloxone (also known by its brand name, Narcan®) is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is usually available as a nasal or injectable medication and works by outcompeting opioids and binding on to the opioid receptor, alleviating the sedating effects of the opioid. When given during an overdose, Naloxone could restore breathing within 2-8 minutes.

 

California state regulations permit pharmacists to prescribe Naloxone without a prescription in accordance with the Title 16 ​California Code of Regulations Section 1746.3​.

 

CDPH has issued a statewide standing order to help reduce morbidity and mortality associated with opioid overdose by facilitating the distribution and administration of Naloxone Hydrochloride (Naloxone) in California.

 

CDPH Naloxone Statewide Standing Order FAQs (pdf)

Naloxone is available, to be administered by trained staff, in an emergency. Training included the recognition of overdose, response, and administration of Naloxone.

 

Additional information for students, staff and the community includes: