FENTANYL/ NALOXONE | Nexus Coalition

Powerful Synthetic Opioid – Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine.
Medical Use – It is prescribed for severe pain management, such as for cancer patients or post-surgery.
Illicit Use – Often illegally manufactured and mixed into other drugs (heroin, cocaine, fake pills) to increase potency and profits.
High Overdose Risk – Even tiny amounts can cause fatal overdoses, especially when users are unaware they are consuming it.
Difficult to Detect – It has no taste, smell, or color and can be pressed into counterfeit pills that look like legitimate prescription drugs.
Fast-Acting – Can cause respiratory depression and overdose symptoms within minutes of ingestion.
Growing Crisis – A major driver of opioid overdose deaths worldwide.
Naloxone Can Reverse Effects – The opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone (Narcan) can counteract fentanyl overdoses if administered in time.

DEA Fentanyl Fact Sheet

NIH Fentanyl Fact Sheet

CDC Fentanyl Fact Sheet

Intervention Guide

Parent Support

Opioid Overdose Reversal Drug – Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdoses, including those caused by fentanyl.
How It Works – It blocks opioid receptors in the brain, restoring normal breathing in someone experiencing an overdose.
Forms – Available as a nasal spray (Narcan) or injectable solution.
Easy to Use – Designed for use by anyone, including bystanders, first responders, and medical professionals.
Works Quickly – Begins working within minutes, though multiple doses may be needed for strong opioids like fentanyl.
Safe and Non-Addictive – Has no effect on someone without opioids in their system, will not hurt anyone with other medical conditions, can be used for any age, and poses no risk of addiction.
Availability – Available over the counter without a prescription or from Nexus Coalition or Navajo County Public Health for Free. Other distribution sites available on https://naloxoneaz.com/
Critical in the Opioid Crisis – Considered a life-saving tool in combating opioid-related deaths.
First Aid Kit – A great tool to keep in your first aid kit.

Arizona’s Good Samaritan Law protects individuals who seek medical help for someone experiencing a drug overdose.

Under this law:

Legal Protection – A person who calls 911 or seeks emergency aid for an overdose cannot be arrested or prosecuted for personal drug possession or paraphernalia. You will also not be held liable if any complication arises from administering Naloxone in an attempt to save a life.
Encourages Emergency Response – Designed to reduce hesitation in calling for help due to fear of legal consequences.