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naloxone and fentanyl test strips

In 2024, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 2112 to ensure that all institutions of higher education are providing education and access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips (FTS) to address the growing public health impact of opioids.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FENTANYL AND NALOXONE

What is Naloxone (brand name Narcan)?

Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids slow down the activity of the central nervous system. This can dangerously slow or stop breathing which may lead to death. Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally.

Naloxone/Narcan do NOT impact alcohol poisoning. It doesn’t harm a person to use Narcan if one is unsure what substances have caused the overdose, but it is only effective for opioid based substances.

What are fentanyl test strips?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in Washington and the United States.

FTS are a harm reduction strategy designed to reduce the negative consequences of drug use, including the risk of fatal and nonfatal overdose. Anyone can purchase and use FTS to test for the presence of fentanyl in a drug. This Fentanyl Test Strips to Prevent Overdose fact sheet contains additional information about FTS.

Campus locations of Narcan & FTS:

***Add campus locations***

Mail-order access:

You can have Narcan nasal spray mailed to you anywhere in Washington state at no cost thanks to People’s Harm Reduction Alliance.

Use this state-based locator to find a pharmacy, clinic, health department, or community based organization in your area that provides naloxone distribution. We suggest calling ahead to confirm inventory and in the case of pharmacy access, request information about co-pay.

Opioid overdose signs:

  1. Respiratory Depression: Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing is one of the most critical signs. The person may have difficulty breathing or may not be breathing at all.
  2. Unconsciousness or Unresponsiveness: The person may be unresponsive to stimuli, including verbal commands or physical touch. They might be difficult to wake up or completely unconscious.
  3. Bluish or Gray Skin: A blue-gray tint, especially around the lips or fingertips can indicate a lack of oxygen, which is a result of respiratory depression.
  4. Slow or Irregular Heartbeat: The heart rate may be slow or irregular, which can be a sign of reduced oxygen levels in the blood.
  5. Pinpoint Pupils: Opioid overdose often causes constricted pupils, which appear as very small, pinpoint-sized pupils.
  6. Choking or Gurgling Sounds: The person might make unusual choking or gurgling noises due to difficulty breathing or airway obstruction.
  7. Cold, Clammy Skin: The skin may become cool and sweaty, indicating a lack of oxygen and poor circulation.

What to do

What to do if you think someone is overdosing:

  • Call 911 Immediately.
  • Administer Naloxone via the instructions.
  • Lay the person on their side in the Recovery Position to prevent choking.
  • If there is no improvement, administer a second dose 2-5 minutes after the first.
  • Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.

*Most states have laws that may protect a person who is overdosing or the person who called for help from legal trouble. Washington state has the Good Samaritan Law that achieves this.
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