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Evzio

Brand names: Evzio and Narcan
Drug class: antidotes

What is Evzio?

Evzio reverses or blocks the effects of opioid medications, such as extreme drowsiness or slowed breathing. Narcotic is another name for an opioid.Evzio auto injector is a prescription medication used to treat an opioid emergency, such as an opioid overdose with symptoms of severe sleepiness, breathing problems, or an inability to respond.Evzio is not a substitute for emergency medical treatment in the event of an overdose.Naloxone can also be used to diagnose whether someone has taken an opioid overdose.

Side effects of Evzio

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

Evzio reverses the opioid effect, so it may cause withdrawal symptoms like:

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain;
  • Fever, sweating, and body aches
  • Tremors or shivering; fast heart rate; pounding heartbeats; increased blood pressure
  • Feeling nervous, restless, or irritable
  • Goosebumps, shivering;
  • Runny nose and yawning
  • Seizures, crying, stiffness, and overactive reflexes (in babies less than 4 weeks of age).

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Warnings

It may not be possible to inform your caregivers of your medical conditions or that you are breastfeeding or pregnant in an emergency. Be sure that any doctor who treats you in the future knows you received this medication.Evzio can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness.Evzio will reverse the effects of any narcotic medication that you may be taking.Alcohol can increase the side effects of Evzio.

Side effects of Evzio

If you have an allergy to naloxone, then Evzio is not for you.Tell your doctor, if possible, if you suffer from heart disease before receiving an Evzio shot.Evzio is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.There is no way to know if naloxone can pass into breast milk or if it will harm a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding a child.It may not be possible in an emergency to inform your caregivers that you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Be sure to tell any doctor who is caring for you or your child that you've taken this medication.

Similar/related drugs

Naloxone, Narcan, RiVive, Kloxxado, Opvee, and Nalmefene

How to take Evzio?

Evzio can be injected through an IV into a muscle or vein. The injection can be administered by a healthcare professional, an emergency medical provider, or a trained family member or caregiver.When you receive Evzio, you should read the instructions carefully. Use the "trainer device" to practice injecting so that you know what to do in an emergency. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

You should be able to identify the symptoms of an opioid overdose when you care for someone. Overdose symptoms include:

  • Breathing is slowed or nonexistent.
  • Very small or pinpoint pupils;
  • Slow heartbeats
  • Extreme drowsiness is a problem, especially when you cannot wake up the person.

If you're not sure if an opioid overdose occurred, give Evzio immediately if they are not breathing or unresponsive. Then, seek emergency medical attention.If symptoms begin to improve, do not assume the overdose has been resolved. You must get emergency help after giving an injection.Evzio is injected into the muscle of the outer thigh. In an emergency, you can inject the patient through their clothing.Continue to monitor the patient for signs of an overdose after injecting Evzio. It may be necessary to inject Evzio every 2 to 3 minutes until help arrives. Be certain to abide by all instructions regarding medication.Each Evzio auto-injector can only be used once. Even if some medicine is left after injection, throw it away after use.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.Keep the auto-injector inside its outer case until ready to use. Do not use Evzio when it is discolored or contains particles.

What happens if I miss the dose?

You are unlikely to miss a dosage of Evzio because you will be receiving it in an emergency.

What happens if I overdose?

Reach out for help by dialing 1-800-222-1222 for poison assistance, or seek immediate medical care.

What should be avoided?

Do not leave a person unattended after administering an Evzio. Overdoses can affect a person's ability to think or react.

Interaction with other drug

Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements, may interact with Naloxone. Inform your healthcare providers of all medications you are currently taking and those you plan to start or stop.