Naloxone’s steep price hinders battle against opioid epidemic (Washington Times)
Tuesday May 1st, 2018
Cost is one of the biggest hurdles in getting naloxone, the opioid overdose-reversing drug, into more hands.
Evzio, a hand-held auto injector, has risen from less than $600 in 2014 to more than $4,000 for a two-pack now, according to members of Congress who say it’s time the government do something to tamp down on the price.
NARCAN, a form of the drug delivered as a nasal spray that’s considered easiest for regular people to carry and administer in emergencies, costs $125 for a two-dose carton — though governments and public-interest nonprofits can get it for $75.
Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana S. Wen says cost is the No. 1 impediment to its efforts to put naloxone spray into as many hands as possible, since a mix of government and philanthropic funding only stretches so far.
“It doesn’t make sense that we have an antidote available and we’re not able to issue that to everyone who needs it,” she said. “Naloxone is effective. We need this at a cheaper and more affordable price.”