More Americans Should Carry the Opioid Reversal Agent Naloxone, Says Surgeon General

​The Surgeon General of the United States on April 4, 2018, issued a public health advisory urging more Americans to carry and know how to use the opioid overdose-reversing drug naloxone. The Surgeon General emphasized that it is important for individuals using illicit opioids, friends and family of those who have opioid use disorder, those who take high doses of opioids for long-term management of chronic pain, and healthcare providers to know how to use naloxone and to keep it "within reach." Naloxone is delivered as a nasal mist or injection, and it can temporarily suspend the effects of an opioid overdose before emergency responders arrive.