Mass. Toddler Who Swallowed Suboxone Given Narcan
June 02--A 2-year-old Arlington girl who swallowed an opioid addiction treatment was treated with the life-saving antidote Narcan, the Herald has learned.
A source with knowledge of the investigation said the toddler tested positive for Suboxone, a semi-synthetic opioid derivative that is used as treatment for addiction to heroin and other opioids, and was administered Narcan.
Arlington cops said they were called to a home at 10 a.m. Tuesday, where the father of a girl noticed her holding a wrapper for a Suboxone dose.
The drug has some of the same effects as heroin and, in the case of an overdose, officers can use Narcan to reverse the effects.
The Suboxone did not belong to her parents, but belonged to another person in the household, police said.
Arlington police Chief Frederick Ryan yesterday praised the girl's parents, saying they "acted responsibly and quickly called 911, which prompted appropriate treatment."
He called the investigation "ongoing" and said police had not yet determined how the child swallowed Suboxone.
No one has been charged. The Department of Children and Families is also investigating.
Ryan encouraged anyone battling opioid addiction to seek treatment through his department that has a social worker on staff who helps people who seek an "intervention plan."
Ryan added: "Part of that plan is to make sure that medical treatment is safely stored and administered."
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