Opioid pain killers kill. Naloxone saves lives.

Opioid pain killers kill. Naloxone saves lives.

In 2011, four times as many persons died from opioid overdoses than from heroin.

Overdose deaths have risen dramatically.

In 2011, opioid painkillers killed almost 17,000 persons. That same year heroin overdoses killed far fewer —  4,400.

Nalpraxone is sold as a generic. It requires a prescription and costs about $4 a dose for an injectable version and about $45 for a  nasal spray.

Numerous state and local governments are making arrangements so people can purchase Nalpraxone readily at pharmacies.

Contact your doctor and or public health facility to find out how you can keep Nalpraxone handy should someone you know overdose from opioid pain killers.

written by DrCameronJackson@gmail.com

for more information see the Wall Street Journal, August 29, 2014 A3