About

Opioid overdose reversal agents, naloxone and nalmefene, are prescription medications that can block or reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Anyone can easily use naloxone or nalmefene to save the life of someone overdosing on opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, or prescription medicines like OxyContin® or Percocet®.

The Illinois Opioid Overdose Reversal Agent Standardized Protocol is approved by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Human Services to provide guidance on the response to suspected opioid overdose and the administration of an opioid overdose reversal agent. This document updates the previous “Naloxone Standardized Procedures” issued in 2023.

The Opioid Overdose Reversal Agent Standing Order allows eligible entities, namely pharmacies, schools, and opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs to provide an opioid overdose reversal agent to any requesting person with the intent to respond to a suspected opioid overdose without a direct prescription. The order allows insurers, including Medicaid and Medicare to cover the cost of naloxone or nalmefene. Eligible entities must complete approved training and education on opioid overdose reversal agent administration to access the order.

Pharmacies using the order must report naloxone dispensing information to the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program. OEND programs using the order must register with the Department of Human Services, Division on Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Drug Overdose Prevention Program. Schools must report to the Illinois State Board of Education.