Winter weather and freezing temperatures are here, and District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) wants to remind residents that with colder temperatures comes the potential for Narcan (Naloxone) to freeze.  

According to Emergent Biosolutions, Narcan Nasal Spray freezes when temperatures reach below 5°F (-15°C). If the spray is frozen, the device no longer works. Narcan Nasal Spray can be thawed and will be safe to use if allowed to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. However, in the case of an emergency, do not wait for your Narcan Nasal Spray to thaw, contact emergency services immediately. 

“Narcan is available in our communities via outdoor Narcan Distribution Boxes. The boxes are there to ensure Narcan is easily accessible to those who need it,” said DHD#10 Certified Prevention Specialist Angie Gullekson. “With winter weather and freezing temperatures comes the possibility that the Narcan will freeze, but individuals can take certain precautions to ensure they’re still prepared to respond to an opioid overdose emergency.”  

When accessing Narcan nasal spray from the outdoor distribution boxes, individuals should plan ahead and take multiple boxes to allow them to thaw, if needed, in order to be prepared to respond in an opioid overdose situation 

If your business or organization is interested in placing a Narcan distribution box, please contact Angie Gullekson at agullekson@dhd10.org.  

For more information and to locate Narcan distribution boxes in your community, visit https://www.dhd10.org/men-women/syringe-service-program-ssp/ and click on the Naloxone (Narcan) tab.