Attorney General Wants Rebate From Anti-Overdose Drug Maker

Ohio’s attorney general is asking for a rebate from the maker of a drug used to combat heroin overdoses. As Ohio’s heroin problem has grown, so have expenses for naloxone, a drug that can stop and even reverse the effects of opiates like painkillers and heroin. Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Tracy Smith says first responders are using a lot more of it lately. “Typically we push 2 to 4 milligrams of naloxone to reverse those affects, and we’re finding that we have to at least double the dose or triple it at this point," Smith says. Smith says it would be a shame if anyone died because police and fire departments couldn't afford naloxone. The attorney general’s office says prices more than double for some agencies last year, and drug manufacturer Amphastar should send rebates to police and EMTs who administer the drug. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.