Many Factors Contribute to Surge in Naloxone Price, Experts Say

The price of the opioid overdose antidote naloxone has surged in recent years, potentially reducing availability of a critical lifesaving treatment, experts tell CBS MoneyWatch. They say a number of factors have led to the price increase.

Among these are the increase in overdoses, which is boosting demand for naloxone; a lack of federal rules limiting price increases; not enough industry competition; and drug companies’ lack of transparency in setting the price for naloxone. The price of naloxone has increased more than 50 percent in recent years, according to a new study in the journal Addictive Behaviors.

“We don’t have any mechanisms to stop manufacturers from raising prices,” said Leigh Purvis, Director of Health Services Research at AARP’s Public Policy Institute.