Nalmefene Nasal Spray

What is this medication?

NALMEFENE (NAL muh feen) treats opioid overdose, which causes slow or shallow breathing, severe drowsiness, or trouble staying awake. It belongs to a group of medications called opioid blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): OPVEE

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• Substance use disorder
• An unusual or allergic reaction to nalmefene, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for use in the nose. Lay the person on their back. Support their neck with your hand and allow the head to tilt back before giving the medication. The nasal spray should be given into 1 nostril. After giving the medication, move the person onto their side. Do not remove or test the nasal spray until ready to use.

Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of this medication, even if the person wakes up. You should be familiar with how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose. If more doses are needed, give the additional dose in the other nostril.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

This is only used during an emergency. No interactions are expected during emergency use.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Keep this medication ready for use in the case of an opioid overdose. Make sure that you have the phone number of your care team and local hospital ready. You may need to have additional doses of this medication. Each nasal spray contains a single dose. Some emergencies may require additional doses.

After use, bring the treated person to the nearest hospital or call emergency services. Make sure the treating care team knows that the person has received a dose of this medication. You will receive additional instructions on what to do during and after use of this medication before an emergency occurs.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Dizziness
• Dryness or irritation inside the nose
• Flushing
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stuffy nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep this medication in the original packaging until you are ready to use it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.