Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

This medicine should be given immediately when a suspected or known opioid overdose has occurred. This will help prevent serious breathing problems and severe sleepiness that can lead to death.

Call for emergency help right away after the first dose of this medicine. The reversal effects of nalmefene are temporary. Patients who receive this medicine should be closely monitored.

A home health caregiver or a family member will give you or your child this medicine. It may be given as a shot under your skin or into a muscle of the outer thigh, through clothing if needed. Do not inject into any other area of the body.

This medicine comes with patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Let your home health caregiver or family member read and follow the directions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

To use the autoinjector:

  • Do not test or prime the autoinjector before use. This medicine can only be used one time.
  • Check the liquid in the autoinjector. It should be clear, colorless to light-yellow. Do not use this medicine if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Do not use it if it is broken or the blue cap is missing.
  • Twist the blue cap counterclockwise to break the safety seal and pull straight off to remove the cap. Do not replace the cap after it has been removed. Do not touch the needle.
  • Place the needle guard against the outer thigh. Push the autoinjector firmly down against the outer thigh until you hear a "click". Hold in place for 3 seconds. The viewing window should turn completely orange (fully blocked). Remove the autoinjector.
  • Move the patient on their side (recovery position) after giving the medicine and get emergency medical help right away.
  • Watch the patient closely. You may also give additional doses to the patient every 2 to 5 minutes until the patient responds or emergency medical assistance becomes available. Give a new nalmefene injection for each dose.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injection dosage form (autoinjector):
    • For opioid overdose:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 1.5 milligrams (mg) injected under the skin or into a muscle. Another injection may be given every 2 to 5 minutes until the patient responds or until emergency medical assistance becomes available.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: Oct. 01, 2024

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