While much has happened between 2021 and now, from the peak of Covid to the ongoing battle against opioid deaths and overdoses, one glimmer of hope has stood strong and continues to grow: Kloxxado. This opioid overdose-reversal nasal spray is playing a big role in helping combat some of the most serious cases of opioid overdoses. It received FDA approval on April 30, 2021, and has now officially received 375,000 critical donations.
What is Kloxxado?
Kloxxado is a nasal spray that contains naloxone, a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Most people have heard of naloxone already, thanks to its more popular and readily available form, Narcan. However, unlike Narcan, Kloxxado is a higher-dose version of naloxone, making it more effective in reversing overdoses.
Kloxxado contains 8 mg of naloxone, while Narcan only contains 4 mg. This higher dosage allows Kloxxado to quickly and effectively reverse the effects of opioid overdose, potentially saving lives in critical situations. In addition, a study on naloxone administration for overdoses showed that over 78% of people who experienced an overdose and were treated with Narcan needed 2 or more doses, showing just how life-saving it can be to have Kloxxado on hand.
Where can I find Kloxxado?
Kloxxado, like other forms of naloxone, is now available without a prescription in most states. Hikma, the manufacturer of Kloxxado, has also donated more than 375,000 doses of Kloxxado as of October 2023. If you’re someone who actively uses opioids, consider keeping a Kloxxado case with you at all times.
You can find Kloxxado in facilities such as:
- Harm-reduction centres
- Syringe exchange programmes
- Pharmacies (without a prescription)
- Community centres and outreach organisations
- Primary care offices
Bystanders can also take part in spreading the word about Kloxxado and being prepared for opioid overdoses. Breaking the stigma of using life-saving medicines like Kloxxado is only the beginning of the fight against opioid overdose deaths. Educating yourself on how to use Kloxxado and recognising the signs of an opioid overdose can help you be more prepared to act in a critical situation.
How to use Kloxxado
Using Kloxxado is simple and can be done by anyone, even without medical training. Here are the steps outlined by Hikma on how to use Kloxxado in an opioid overdose emergency:
- Administer the nasal spray into one nostril while the person is lying on their back.
- If the person still does not breathe within 2–3 minutes, administer a second dose in the other nostril.
- Call for emergency medical help immediately, even if you are using the spray.
- Follow the prompts of the dispatcher. If they recommend beginning CPR, administer until help arrives.
- If you can’t physically start CPR, stay with the person until help arrives and continue to monitor their breathing and consciousness.
It is important to remember that Kloxxado should not be used as a substitute for emergency medical care. It is only meant to temporarily reverse an opioid overdose while waiting for professional help to arrive!
How to recognise an opioid overdose
Knowing how to recognise the signs of an opioid overdose is crucial in saving someone’s life. Some common symptoms include:
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Pale or blueish skin, particularly around the lips and nail beds
- Unresponsiveness or difficulty staying awake
- Gurgling or choking sounds
- Pinpoint (meaning small) pupils
If you suspect an opioid overdose, it’s important to act quickly and administer Kloxxado. Even if the person isn’t currently using opioids, you can still administer Kloxxado safely. The great thing about naloxone medications is that they are only effective in the presence of opioids, so there is no risk of harm if the person does not have opioids in their system. So don’t hesitate to use Kloxxado if you think it is necessary!
Kloxxado and opioids in 2024
In 2024, it’s not uncommon to hear about major numbers of fatal opioid overdoses and news about highly potent bad batches. Kloxxado’s larger dose could be especially beneficial in these situations, given the increasing potency of opioids on the streets.
As Kloxxado celebrates its 3-year anniversary, it’s a bittersweet reminder of the ongoing battle against opioid addiction and the importance of having life-saving tools like Kloxxado readily available. Nevertheless, with Hikma continuing to strengthen its outreach efforts and keeping accessibility at the forefront, we can only hope to see a decrease in opioid overdoses in the coming years. Kloxxado’s role in preventing these tragedies is crucial and will continue to be an important tool in the fight against opioid addiction. Visit Narcan-Finder.com to find free and low-cost Kloxxado (and other formulations of naloxone, like Kloxxado and ZIMHI) in your area.
Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
