Narcan
Narcan
Free. Accessible. Life Saving.
Aiken Center provides free Narcan (naloxone) to community members. Whether you’re protecting yourself, a loved one, or simply want to be prepared. Narcan is available at Aiken Center and in the Narcan dispensing machine at Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Clinic during normal business hours at no cost and without judgement or questions.
What is Narcan?
Narcan is the brand name for naloxone. This medication is used to reverse an opioid overdose. It works by attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain and temporarily blocks opioids from attaching to these receptors. Narcan (naloxone) is effective against opioids such as:
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Morphine
- Methadone
Why Keep Narcan?
If an opioid overdose happens, having Narcan nearby can mean the difference between life and death. Keeping Narcan is like having a fire extinguisher or EpiPen in your home. While we hope to never have to use them, we are grateful to have them when unexpected situations happen and every second counts. The CDC reports that a bystander was present during 43% of opioid overdoses in 2023. Having the right tools during an emergency can mean potentially saving a life.
Is it Safe?
Narcan (naloxone) is a non-narcotic medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. It will not harm and has no effect on someone who has not taken opioids. The CDC and FDA state that it is safe to use on individuals of all ages, from infants to older adults. This medication is also safe to use on pets who may have unintentionally ingested an opioid.