Why is this medication prescribed?

Evzio, which contains the medication naloxone, is prescribed for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. Opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers like oxycodone, can slow down or stop a person’s breathing in an overdose situation. Naloxone works by quickly reversing the effects of opioids, restoring normal breathing and consciousness, thus preventing a potentially fatal outcome.

How should this medicine be used?

Evzio is an auto-injector device used to administer naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Here’s how Evzio should be used:

• Recognize Signs of Opioid Overdose: Before using Evzio, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of opioid overdose, such as shallow or no breathing, unconsciousness, pinpoint pupils, and blue lips or nails.
• Call for Emergency Medical Assistance: If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, immediately call emergency services for help. Time is critical in these situations.
• Prepare the Evzio Device: Evzio comes with voice instructions and visual cues for use. Follow the instructions carefully. The device is designed for ease of use even for individuals without medical training.
• Administer Naloxone: Remove the Evzio device from its outer case. It typically has a retractable needle. Place the device against the outer thigh of the person experiencing the overdose and press firmly to activate the injection. The device will automatically inject a dose of naloxone.
• Administer Additional Doses if Necessary: If the person does not respond to the initial dose of naloxone, another dose may be administered after 2-3 minutes. Some situations may require multiple doses before the person responds.
• Monitor the Person: After administering naloxone, continue to monitor the person’s breathing and other vital signs until emergency medical help arrives.
• Follow Up: Even if the person responds to naloxone and seems to recover, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Opioid overdose can have serious health consequences, and professional medical care is necessary to ensure the person’s safety and well-being.

Remember, while Evzio can be a life-saving intervention in cases of opioid overdose, it is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Always call for professional help when dealing with a suspected overdose.

Other uses for this medicine

Other uses for Evzio are limited, as it is specifically designed and approved for the treatment of opioid overdose. However, in some cases, naloxone may be used off-label by healthcare professionals for the reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in settings such as post-operative care or in patients receiving high-dose opioid therapy for chronic pain. Any such use should be under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be followed when using Evzio:

• Training: Ensure that individuals who may need to administer Evzio are properly trained in its use. This includes recognizing the signs of opioid overdose, understanding how to use the auto-injector device, and knowing when to seek emergency medical assistance.
• Storage: Store Evzio at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Expiration: Check the expiration date on the Evzio device regularly and replace it before it expires. Expired naloxone may not be as effective in reversing opioid overdose.
• Allergies: Inform healthcare providers of any allergies, especially to naloxone or any other ingredients in Evzio.
• Medical history: Inform healthcare providers of any medical conditions, especially heart problems or respiratory issues, as well as any medications being taken. Naloxone may interact with certain medications or exacerbate certain medical conditions.
• Follow-up care: After administering Evzio for opioid overdose, seek further medical attention for the individual to address the underlying overdose and receive appropriate follow-up care.
• Emergency contact: Keep emergency contact information readily available in case Evzio needs to be used, and inform family members or close contacts of its location and proper use.

Following these precautions can help ensure the safe and effective use of Evzio in emergency situations.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding dietary instructions, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with the use of Evzio. It’s generally administered in emergency situations, and its effectiveness is not influenced by food or drink.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of Evzio, it’s crucial to seek emergency medical assistance immediately, especially if someone is experiencing an opioid overdose. Time is critical in these situations, and delaying treatment could have serious consequences. Additionally, always follow the instructions provided with Evzio and seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any questions or concerns regarding its use or missed doses.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Evzio (naloxone hydrochloride) is generally well-tolerated when used to treat opioid overdose. However, like any medication, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects of Evzio may include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: Some people may experience nausea or vomiting after receiving naloxone.
• Sweating: Excessive sweating may occur as a side effect of naloxone administration.
• Body Aches: Some individuals may experience muscle or body aches after receiving naloxone.
• Increased Heart Rate: Naloxone can cause an increase in heart rate in some people.
• Blood Pressure Changes: Fluctuations in blood pressure, including both increases and decreases, may occur as a result of naloxone administration.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Naloxone can precipitate withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are physically dependent on opioids. These symptoms may include agitation, irritability, anxiety, yawning, sweating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, goosebumps, and dilated pupils.
• Rebound Respiratory Depression: In rare cases, naloxone administration may lead to a return of respiratory depression once its effects wear off, particularly if the person has taken a long-acting opioid.

These side effects are usually mild and resolve quickly. However, if you or someone you know experiences severe or persistent side effects after using Evzio, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, naloxone can precipitate withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are physically dependent on opioids, so it’s important to monitor them closely after administering the medication.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Evzio:

• Storage: Evzio should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze Evzio, as it may damage the device. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: If the medication has expired or is no longer needed, it should be disposed of properly. Follow local guidelines for medication disposal, which may include returning it to a pharmacy or using a drug take-back program. Do not dispose of Evzio by flushing it down the toilet or pouring it down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Administer Evzio as instructed in the user manual or by a healthcare professional.
• Call emergency services immediately.
• Continue to monitor the person until medical help arrives. If necessary, administer additional doses of Evzio as instructed.

What other information should I know?

• Evzio is designed for use in adults and children who weigh more than 33 pounds (15 kilograms).
• It is important to receive proper training on how to use Evzio, as it comes in an auto-injector form.
• Evzio is not a substitute for emergency medical care. After administering Evzio, seek further medical attention for the individual experiencing the overdose.
• Keep track of the expiration date of Evzio and replace it before it expires.

It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these instructions, especially if you or someone you know is at risk of opioid overdose. Additionally, consider seeking training on how to administer Evzio properly to ensure you’re prepared to act in an emergency situation.