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News Release

INTERVIEWS: Prevent Holiday Overdose Deaths With Narcan - 12/04/23

PORTLAND, Ore. (Dec. 4, 2023): As we approach the first holiday season with Narcan (Naloxone) available over-the-counter, experts at Kaiser Permanente are explaining how it can be used to prevent many overdose deaths. The holidays are the most dangerous time of the year for drug-and-alcohol-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Deaths related to opioid use disorder climb at this time due to increased stress, emotional triggers, and social gatherings where substances are readily available. 

“Narcan, or Naloxone, is a nasal spray device that contains medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose,” said Ehsan Seyedhossini, clinical pharmacy specialist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "With opioid use, including prescription medications like hydrocodone and oxycodone, and nonprescribed opioid analogues like fentanyl, having Narcan readily available can be a life-saving intervention."

The CDC reports nearly 40% of opioid and stimulant overdose deaths occurred while a bystander was present. Carrying a naloxone kit at all times can save lives, especially for those who know someone who uses opioids, including prescription medications, and especially if combined with alcohol or sedative drugs; if they have a history of substance use; or are at risk of opioid emergencies. 

“This is the first holiday season that Narcan is available without a prescription, making it more accessible and convenient to keep on hand at holiday gatherings and for emergencies," said Seyedhossini. “Administering it is fairly simple. Hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril, until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the persons nose. Press the plunger firmly to give the dose of Narcan Nasal Spray, then remove the spray from the nostril after giving the dose.”

If someone appears to have taken too much of an opioid, administer Narcan and call 911. Signs of an opioid emergency include having slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, pinpoint pupils, blue or purple lips or fingertips, or no response when you ask questions, shake the person, or rub the person's breastbone with your knuckles.

Interviews available:
Ehsan Seyedhossini, clinical pharmacy specialist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for interviews from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5 and Thursday, Dec. 7. (Additional interview times possible upon request). Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Ehsan Seyedhossini is prepared to discuss:

  • Why do overdose deaths rise during the holidays?
  • What are opioids, and who is most at risk of an opioid overdose?
  • Symptoms to watch of drug abuse, addiction and overdose
  • What is Narcan (Naloxone), how to get it and how to use it
  • What to do if you suspect someone has overdosed
  • What drugs are commonly laced with illicit or non-pharmaceutical fentanyl?
  • How to talk to teens about the risk of substance abuse and the dangers of buying drugs outside of licensed health care providers

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org

For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org

INTERVIEWS: Prevent Holiday Overdose Deaths With Narcan - 12/04/23

PORTLAND, Ore. (Dec. 4, 2023): As we approach the first holiday season with Narcan (Naloxone) available over-the-counter, experts at Kaiser Permanente are explaining how it can be used to prevent many overdose deaths. The holidays are the most dangerous time of the year for drug-and-alcohol-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Deaths related to opioid use disorder climb at this time due to increased stress, emotional triggers, and social gatherings where substances are readily available. 

“Narcan, or Naloxone, is a nasal spray device that contains medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose,” said Ehsan Seyedhossini, clinical pharmacy specialist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "With opioid use, including prescription medications like hydrocodone and oxycodone, and nonprescribed opioid analogues like fentanyl, having Narcan readily available can be a life-saving intervention."

The CDC reports nearly 40% of opioid and stimulant overdose deaths occurred while a bystander was present. Carrying a naloxone kit at all times can save lives, especially for those who know someone who uses opioids, including prescription medications, and especially if combined with alcohol or sedative drugs; if they have a history of substance use; or are at risk of opioid emergencies. 

“This is the first holiday season that Narcan is available without a prescription, making it more accessible and convenient to keep on hand at holiday gatherings and for emergencies," said Seyedhossini. “Administering it is fairly simple. Hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril, until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the persons nose. Press the plunger firmly to give the dose of Narcan Nasal Spray, then remove the spray from the nostril after giving the dose.”

If someone appears to have taken too much of an opioid, administer Narcan and call 911. Signs of an opioid emergency include having slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, pinpoint pupils, blue or purple lips or fingertips, or no response when you ask questions, shake the person, or rub the person's breastbone with your knuckles.

Interviews available:
Ehsan Seyedhossini, clinical pharmacy specialist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for interviews from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5 and Thursday, Dec. 7. (Additional interview times possible upon request). Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Ehsan Seyedhossini is prepared to discuss:

  • Why do overdose deaths rise during the holidays?
  • What are opioids, and who is most at risk of an opioid overdose?
  • Symptoms to watch of drug abuse, addiction and overdose
  • What is Narcan (Naloxone), how to get it and how to use it
  • What to do if you suspect someone has overdosed
  • What drugs are commonly laced with illicit or non-pharmaceutical fentanyl?
  • How to talk to teens about the risk of substance abuse and the dangers of buying drugs outside of licensed health care providers

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org

For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org