Here are some essential facts everyone should know about this epidemic. This basic information could save lives in your community:

• Fake prescription pills are perfect counterfeits of the real thing
• Counterfeit Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax and others are everywhere
• Fake pills are sold online on campuses and on the streets
• One fake pill can kill—just 2 milligrams of fentanyl (a few grains of sand) can be lethal
• Over 4,000 young Americans under 25 die each year from fentanyl
• Nearly half of teens still don't understand that pills bought online or on the street are often made with fentanyl.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone is safe and easy to use, works almost immediately, and is not addictive. Naloxone has very few negative effects and has no effect if opioids are not in a person’s system.

By learning where you can get naloxone and when you should administer it, you can be ready to save a life. Naloxone comes in several forms, but the most common is a single-use nose spray called Narcan:

• Narcan may take several minutes to kick in – up to 2 to 3 minutes when administered nasally.

• It may take two or more doses of Narcan to revive someone if they have ingested a large quantity of fentanyl.

• Naloxone only works if there are opioids involved with the overdose. It will not reverse an overdose of cocaine, methamphetamine, benzos, alcohol, or other non-opioid drugs; however, administering it will not harm someone who is overdosing on a non-opioid drug.

WHERE TO GET NALOXONE

Come to either location year-round for free Naloxone and/or training at the Nexus Care Offices on-site of you can call 843-255-6000: