Social media post warns that Narcan is less effective when stored in hot environments

On June 22, a post on X warned that “Narcan is less effective when put in high temperatures and exposed to sunlight,” and encouraged readers to keep their Narcan “somewhere cool and shady.” The post received 45,000 views; 1,800 likes; and 1000 shares as of June 27. In the comments, one social media user expressed concern about outdoor vending machines that provide Narcan, since they can be exposed to high temperatures during the summer, and another claimed that keeping Narcan in a car is “bad news” during warmer months.

Recommendation: This trending conversation provides an opportunity to educate target populations on how to properly store and use naloxone spray, which is often sold under the brand name Narcan. Messaging may emphasize that naloxone works best when kept between 59 degrees Fahrenheit and 86 degrees Fahrenheit and away from direct sunlight. However, studies have shown that naloxone works even when it hasn’t been stored in perfect conditions, such as when it’s been left in a car. Frozen naloxone will not spray, but it will work normally once it has thawed at room temperature for 15 minutes. Ensuring that informational materials explain that naloxone has a shelf life of four years is recommended. Trending conversations about naloxone also provide an opportunity to push out messaging that outlines the signs of an opioid overdose.