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narcan FAQs

Learn More About Narcan

What is Narcan?

Narcan, also called Naloxone, is an FDA approved drug that reverses opioid overdoses. Narcan quickly reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2-3 minutes in a person whose breath has slowed, or even stopped, as a result of opioid overdose. It is available in both a nasal spray and as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. Narcan can reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids including heroin, morphine, Oxycodone, methadone, fentanyl, hydrocodone, Vicodin, codeine, and hydromorphone.

Where will the Narcan vending machines be located?

The City of Gary will install it's first Narcan vending machine in April 2025 at the Adam Benjamin JR Metro Center, located at 200 W 4th Avenue, Gary, IN 46402. The Health Department will announce additional locations later in 2025.

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CDC Lifesaving NaloxoneDownload Narcan Guide
Narcan - you can save a life. Available at the Gary, IN Metro Station.
Fentanyl - just a little can kill
Carry narcan and save a life.

How do I know what an opioid overdose looks like?

Some symptoms of an opioid overdose include someone who is unconscious and/or unable to wake, experiencing slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing such as choking, gurgling/snoring sounds, a limp body, discolored skin (especially in the lips and nails), and small constricted "pinpoint pupils" that have no reaction to light. Narcan can be administered to someone who is unconscious as well.

When and who should it be used on?

‍Narcan can be used on anyone experiencing symptoms of an opioid overdose or symptoms of a suspected overdose. It is important to note, Narcan is harmless if administered to someone who is NOT experiencing an opioid overdose. The person will not experience any ill or adverse reactions if administered and they are not experiencing a true opioid overdose. This means that if you are unsure what type of overdose the person is experiencing, Narcan is still safe to administer.

How do I help someone who has overdosed?

  1. Call 911 immediately - Even if the person responds to naloxone (Narcan), they still need medical attention.
  2. Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available - Follow the instructions on the package. Place the person on their back and administer as directed. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/odlFtGNjmMQ
  3. Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
  4. Put the person in the recovery position - Roll them onto their side to prevent choking and stay with them until emergency personnel arrive to take over.
  5. Stay with them until emergency help arrives - Monitor their breathing and be prepared to administer a second dose of naloxone if:
    • Their breathing doesn't improve within 2-3 minutes after the first dose, OR if breathing improves but then worsens again.‍
  6. If breathing stops or is ineffective, begin CPR if you're trained - Follow 911 dispatcher instructions if you're not trained in CPR.

Note: Naloxone only works for opioid overdoses. If the overdose involves other substances or you're unsure what was taken, still call 911 immediately and follow the above steps (except naloxone may not be effective for non-opioid overdoses).

Who should administer Narcan?

‍Any bystander or person who is witnessing what they believe is an opioid overdose. Utilizing Narcan and contacting emergency personnel can save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose. The sooner the Narcan is administered, the better!

Does Indiana have a drug overdose Good Samaritan Law?

‍Yes. A person who administers Narcan, calls 9-1-1, and waits for emergency personnel to arrive will not be charged with a crime related to drug possession, practicing medicine without a license, and being sued by the person the Narcan was administered to. (IN Codes 16-42-27-2 and 16-42-27-3; Aarons Law Primer)

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Narcan vending machines available now at the Gary, IN Metro Station