WASHINGTON – The Surgeon General is urging loved ones of those at risk for opioid overdoses to carry and know how to use an overdose-reversing drug.
The unusual public advisory was issued Thursday from Surgeon General Jerome Adams, and it comes amid the ongoing national opioid epidemic.
Naloxone, which is sold under the brand names “Narcan” and “Evzio,” works to revive victims in the event of an overdose.
It’s long been used by doctors and hospitals, but efforts are underway to expand its availability for first responders, opioid users, and their loved ones.
The advisory lists at risk individuals as those who take opioids prescribed for pain, as well as those abusing opioids including street drugs like Heroin.
