Evzio (naloxone) is an special narcotic drug that reverses the effects of other narcotic medicines.
Evzio auto-injector is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of an opioid emergency such as an overdose with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond.
Important information
In an emergency situation it may not be possible before you are treated to tell your caregivers about your health conditions or if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows that you have received this medication.
Evzio may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
If you are using any narcotic pain medication, the pain-relieving effects of the narcotic will be reversed while you are also receiving Evzio.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of naloxone.
Before receiving Evzio
You should not use Evzio if you are allergic to naloxone.
If possible before you receive Evzio, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Evzio will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether naloxone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is Evzio given?
Evzio is injected into a muscle or under the skin.
Each auto-injector contains only 1 dose of medicine.
Evzio should be injected into the muscle or skin of the outer thigh. It can be injected through clothing if needed.
Caregivers should pinch the thigh muscle while injecting Evzio into a child under the age of one.
After using Evzio seek emergency medical help right away, then place the used auto-injector back into its outer case. Do not throw away the auto-injector in household trash. Do not recycle the auto-injector. Used auto-injectors should be taken to a healthcare setting for proper disposal in a sharps container.
Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving Evzio.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include seizure (convulsions), feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid while using Evzio?
Evzio may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Evzio.
Evzio side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Evzio: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregivers right away if you have:
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agitation;
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing;
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anxiety, sweating, pale skin, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate; or
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dangerously high blood pressure - severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety, confusion, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, seizure.
If you are being treated for narcotic drug addiction, Evzio may cause withdrawal symptoms such as:
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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
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fever, sweating, body aches, weakness, runny nose;
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feeling nervous, restless, or irritable;
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goosebumps, shivering; or
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pounding heartbeats.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Evzio?
If you are using any narcotic pain medicine, the pain-relieving effects of the narcotic will be reversed while you are also receiving Evzio.
Other drugs may interact with naloxone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
