× The federal government has shut down due to the failures of the President and Congress to continue government funding. Millions of Californians receiving benefits from state programs may be impacted. For now, California’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue to provide services and enroll eligible families as long as funding is available. No new federal funding to California WIC will be provided until the President and Congress take action. Families should continue to use their WIC benefits and attend their WIC appointments. This information is subject to change, so please monitor the California WIC website for updates.

Please be wary of potential highly partisan political messaging while visiting federal government websites for information related to the federal government shutdown.

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Your pain is real. so are the risks.

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What is Naloxone?

This webpage will expire in 2023. Please see our new Overdose Prevention Initiative site and our new Naloxone webpage.

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.  Naloxone starts working almost immediately, is not addictive, and has no effect if opioids are not present in a person's system. You don't have to be a doctor or medical provider to give someone naloxone. It can be administered by friends and family members.

How Can I Get Naloxone?

Individuals and family members can get a prescription for naloxone from their doctor and have it filled at a pharmacy.  It is also possible to purchase naloxone directly from a pharmacist without a prescription.  If you have health care insurance, naloxone prescriptions may be covered.

Some community organizations (such as county and city health departments, emergency service providers, syringe/needle exchange programs, homeless programs, and veteran organizations) provide naloxone at low or no cost.

How Do I Use Naloxone?

Naloxone is administered when a person is showing signs and symptoms of opioid overdose. It can be given by nasal spray or injected. For more information, see "Administering Naloxone" or Opioid Safety and How to Use Naloxone (PDF) .​

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