ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (AP) — Officials say the price of drugs that reverse heroin overdoses has in some cases quadrupled in the past two years.

The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald reports the popularity of drugs such as Naxolone might have caused the spike. Naxolone helps overdose victims begin breathing again.

Phil Williams is a pharmacy services director for Edward Elmhurst Healthcare. He says a dose that cost as little as $5 two years ago now goes for $40.

Pharmacists and those fighting heroin abuse predict more price increases. A state law that took effect this month requires emergency responders to carry the antidotes.

A spokesman for Naxolone supplier Hospira would say only that a dose costs about the same as fast-food meals for four.

 

 

 

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