Drug that can save lives of drug addicts

In July, singer Demi Lovato was hospitalized after a drug overdose. According toTMZThe singer was unconscious when paramedics arrived and was fortunately saved by Narcan.

According toPeopleNarcan is the brand name for naloxone, an emergency medication used to treat an overdose of narcotics. Drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and opioid painkillers (such as oxycontin) all have narcotic-like effects, so naloxone can also be used in people who are in shock from these substances.

Administered by injection or nasal spray, naloxone rapidly restores normal breathing to people who have overdosed on narcotics, painkillers, or anesthetics within 30 to 90 minutes.

"Narcan is like an EpiPen for someone who's had an overdose," one paramedic toldPeople. "However, the drug is still in your body, so at some point the Narcan will wear off and your heart rate will drop again."

In other words, even after using Narcan, the patient still needs to be hospitalized for treatment. "Narcan is not a cure for addiction, but an emergency solution before death," the medical staff continued.

In some cases, Narcan does not work on the first dose. The patient may need CPR and another dose. Naloxone does not cause shock or overdose. Note that people who are still conscious should not use it because it can easily cause withdrawal symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

In the United States, the use of Narcan is not mandated by the medical profession. However, with the rise in substance abuse cases, many experts recommend that people purchase and learn how to use naloxone.

"Knowing how to use naloxone and having it within reach can save lives," said US Surgeon General Jerome Adams.

According toTIMEGeneric naloxone costs $20-40 per dose, while Narcan is sold in two-dose kits for about $130-140.

Minh Nguyen