Frequently asked questions about naloxone: Part 3.

Abstract

Does naloxone break down if it is not stored properly? Naloxone should be kept between 15 to 30°C and away from direct light, but studies have shown that it is stable even when not stored in perfect conditions, such as when individuals carry naloxone with them or have a kit in a vehicle. Naloxone has been shown to be stable when frozen and thawed between the temperatures of −20 to 4°C or at high temperatures of 80°C. Although naloxone dosage forms normally carry an expiry date of 2 years, a recent study showed that naloxone for injection that had been expired for 30 years still contained more than 90% of active naloxone with limited degradation. Pharmacists should routinely offer replacement kits to patients as their kits expire. However, tell your patients that in an emergency situation, an expired or improperly stored naloxone kit can still be effective and is unlikely to cause harm.