When Seconds Matter
Sometimes, the scariest sound is no sound at all.
When someone stops breathing — from an overdose, a panic attack, an allergic reaction — the gap between “call 911” and “help arrives” can feel endless. Dr. Joseph Nounou, a Texas-based anesthesiologist, saw that gap up close. And he decided to build something to close it.
The Problem with Relying Solely on Narcan
Narcan (naloxone) saves lives. But it has limits:
- It only works for opioids. Not for xylazine. Not for alcohol. Not for asthma.
- It often takes more than one dose to reverse fentanyl.
- It causes intense withdrawal symptoms that can send someone into panic or aggression.
That’s fine — if Narcan works. But what if it doesn’t?
The Pen That Reminds You to Breathe
Dr. Nounou developed a new kind of auto-injector — not to reverse drugs, but to trigger breathing itself.
- It works in under 90 seconds.
- It’s not drug-specific.
- It helps restart natural respiration, calmly.
It uses a time-tested anesthetic, safely reformulated. This isn’t science fiction. It’s science, repurposed for today’s emergencies.
When Would This Be Used?
You’d use this when someone isn’t breathing and you don’t have time to guess why.
Scenarios include:
- Overdose (with or without opioids)
- Severe asthma attack
- Drowning
- Allergic reaction
- Panic or shock-induced respiratory arrest
Instead of reaching for the “right” reversal drug, this pen helps anyone breathe.
Who’s It For?
Emergency responders. Parents. Coaches. School nurses. Addiction counselors. People who’ve lost someone before.
This is for the in-between moments when CPR isn’t the answer and Narcan isn’t working — but help hasn’t arrived yet.
It’s not available to the public yet, but it’s gaining traction.
What Makes This Different?
- Doesn’t cause violent withdrawal symptoms
- Works on opioid and non-opioid respiratory failure
- Restarts breathing, not just counters substances
- Built with ingredients already FDA-approved for other uses
This isn’t meant to replace Narcan — it’s meant to cover the blind spots Narcan can’t reach.
Why It Matters for Texans
Texas leads in overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids — and in many of those cases, Narcan isn’t enough.
At Harlon Pickett Insurance Broker, we believe emergency readiness isn’t just about coverage. It’s about being prepared when systems fail, when time runs out, and when what you need isn’t yet widely known.
We support healthcare innovations that:
- Fill real gaps in emergency care
- Give families and caregivers tools that work
- Go beyond buzzwords — and get results
FAQs
Q: Is this pen available yet?
A: Not yet. It’s undergoing testing and regulatory approval.
Q: Will insurance cover it?
A: If approved, coverage would depend on your plan. We’ll track this closely.
Q: Will it replace Narcan?
A: No. It’s a complement — not a replacement.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes, based on early data. It’s built from a 60-year-old anesthetic repurposed for emergency use.
Takeaway
When someone isn’t breathing, you don’t need a miracle. You need a tool that works — fast.
If you want to make sure your health coverage includes protection for emergency interventions, start with a Free Needs Analysis today.
🎧 Listen to Dr. Nounou’s full story on the Health & Wealth Power Hour
📞 Or talk to our team about catastrophic medical coverage and emergency-ready care plans.