Naloxone Use
Confidential Naloxone Administration Reporting
The Lay Public Naloxone Form is used to share information when naloxone is given by someone who is not a healthcare professional. This information helps the West Virginia Poison Center better understand overdose events and how naloxone is being used across the state. All information is kept in a secure database and is used only to support patient care and public health monitoring. The form may ask about the person who received naloxone, what substances were involved, symptoms before naloxone was given, the naloxone product and dose used, and how the person responded.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Naloxone Brochure
This brochure is designed to help you recognize an opioid overdose and know what to do in an emergency. Inside, you’ll learn what opioids are, how to spot the signs of an overdose, and how naloxone works to reverse it. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions for using intranasal naloxone and Evzio®, an injectable form of naloxone, plus answers to common questions so you can act with confidence and help save a life.
Safe Use of Naloxone Auto-Injectors (Evzio)
If showing someone how to use the device, or if you are practicing, check twice to make sure the box labeled “TRAINER” is being used and NOT the box with the medicine inside.
The TRAINER is the container box that is black and white with red letters. The purple and yellow container box is the one that contains naloxone.
Accidental needle sticks will not occur unless you:
Place your hand over one of the containers that is filled with naloxone or
Purposely destroy the container and open it.
After you have given someone naloxone, you can give the empty container to the emergency workers when they arrive. They can take it to the hospital with them for disposal.
If the empty container is not taken to the hospital, you should:
Wrap it in newspaper and bind with tape, OR
Place in a plastic container (one that is not see-through) with a twist top, OR
Place in a metal can with a plastic lid (like a coffee can), place the medicine container in the can and then seal the can by wrapping tape around the lid once it is put back on.
After wrapping the used container as above, use a marker and write on the container or wrapped paper “Do Not Recycle”. Place in a garbage bag and throw away with the regular trash.
Storage of Naloxone
Correct storage will ensure that the full amount of naloxone is available until the expiration date listed on the box.
If the expiration date on the box is just a month and year, the naloxone expires the last day of the month.
Naloxone should be stored at room temperature. Keep the medication in the box you received it in to keep it away from light.
If it has been stored in non-ideal ways (for example, in the glove box of a car) call the Poison Center to see if the naloxone can still be used or if it needs to be thrown out. The Specialist will ask questions in order to determine if it is still OK to use.
Naloxone can be found at most pharmacies and online.
Proper Disposal of Household Sharps
Presented by:
West Virginia Dept. of Health and Human Resources
Bureau for Public Health
Office of Environmental Health Services
Infectious Medical Waste Program
The responsible disposal of syringes and sharps is your part in protecting the public and the environment. You can help prevent injury, illness and pollution by following some simple steps when you dispose of the sharp objects and contaminated materials you use in administering health care in your home.
To Properly Manage Your Sharps:
You should place needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects in a hard plastic or metal container with a screw on or tightly fitting lid.
Examples of Suitable Containers for Sharps Disposal:
A coffee can – the plastic lid must be securely fastened with heavy-duty packing tape, a liquid laundry detergent container, or a plastic pop bottle.
Collecting Your Sharps:
Use the container to store all sharps until it is filled half-way, then follow the directions below. Be sure to store your collection container away from children and animals.
Packaging Your Sharps Container for Disposal:
Sharps must be disinfected prior to being placed into the garbage.
Mix: 1 Tablespoon of bleach, and 1 Pint of water (16 oz.). Pour mixture into container and seal.
Label the Container Before Disposing:
Using a permanent marker, write the following on the container:
TREATED SHARPS, NON RECYCLABLE
Disposing Your Treated and Labeled Container:
Place the container in a garbage bag and tape or tie the open end. Place this garbage bag into your regular garbage.
Questions
If you have questions or concerns about disposing your household sharps, please contact us.
Infectious Medical Waste Program
Office of Environmental Health Services
1 Davis Square, Suite 200
Charleston, WV 25301-1798
Phone: (304) 558-6783 or (304) 558-6725
Email: dthornton@wvdhhr.org
Drug Disposal Options
FDA Guidance
Unused and expired medicines in the home can pose a risk of accidental poisoning, misuse, or harm to family members and pets. The FDA’s Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know offers clear recommendations to safely get rid of these medications.
List of Medicines Recommended for Disposal by Flushing
If your healthcare provider, such as a doctor or pharmacist, gave you specific instructions for disposing of a medication, always follow those directions first.
For most unused or expired medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, the safest and preferred option is a drug take-back program. You can:
Drop off medicines at a local drug take-back location, or
Mail them using a prepaid drug mail-back envelope.
If a take-back option is not available, check the FDA’s Flush List to see if your medication qualifies for flushing.
Medicines on the Flush List are considered especially dangerous because they:
Are often misused or abused, and
Can cause serious harm or death from a single dose if taken accidentally.
Accidental exposure, by children, adults, or pets, can occur through swallowing, touching, or misuse of these medications and may have life-threatening consequences.
Do not flush medications unless they are on the FDA Flush List.
Drug Disposal: Questions and Answers
This question and answer section, provided by the FDA, shares additional details on drug disposal options and why the FDA recommends flushing certain potentially dangerous medicines only when take back options are not readily available.