Current statistics show that nearly 2,000 Ohioans overdose on
drugs every year. However, the opioid-blocking drug naloxone has saved the lives
of thousands.
In 2013, 12,151 doses of naloxone were administered in the state of Ohio.
While drug overdose statistics are high and rising in the Buckeye State,
this opioid reversal drug has saved tens of thousands of lives. Naloxone
works by blocking or countering the effects of certain opioids like heroin,
which has saved many from drug overdose deaths. It can work as quickly
as two to eight minutes.
And now, even more people can access it. When the Ohio House passed
HB4, it allowed physicians to dispense of the drug to at-risk patients as
well as anyone who might be able to assist in the event of an overdose,
such as a family member. HB4 also allowed pharmacists to dispense naloxone.
What types of drugs does naloxone block?
Naloxone reverses the effects of most opioids, including prescription painkillers,
including:
- Heroin
- Methadone
- Oxycodone
- Vicodin
- Morphine
For a free legal consultation, call 614-884-1100
Opioid Use in Franklin County
Franklin County had the highest naloxone usage in Ohio with 2,840 uses in 2013.
From 1999 to 2011, the drug overdose death rate in Ohio increased 440 percent. Heroin and other opioids are cheaper and more readily available than ever
before – many believe that drug overdoses will continue to rise,
but are hopeful that naloxone can at least mitigate the number of drug
overdose deaths. Lorain County also piloted a naloxone program in October
2013. Within a year, naloxone had been administered 69 times and saved
the lives of 63 drug overdose patients.
Naloxone gives people who overdose on drugs a second chance where before
they would have had none.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
