Since April 1, Williamson County Emergency Management Services has responded to a near five-fold increase in opioid overdose calls compared to the usual monthly average. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)

Williamson County has seen a spike in overdoses in the area related to counterfeit prescription pills, according to an April 17 news release.



Since April 1, Williamson County Emergency Management Services has responded to a near five-fold increase in opioid overdose calls compared to the usual monthly average, all of which involved counterfeit pills, the release said.



There are two types of counterfeit pills involved in these overdoses

Naloxone

also known as Narcan

can reverse a fentanyl overdose if administered in a timely manner following the overdose, the release said. Texas law allows anyone to possess and administer naloxone in a presumed opioid overdose. In April 2018, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory urging more Americans to learn how to use naloxone and carry the life-saving medication, the release said.

Individuals looking to obtain a Narcan kit and training may call Williamson County Mobile Outreach Team at 512-864-8277.

To learn more about how individuals can recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, visit www.hhs.gov/opioids/treatment/overdose-response to read more.