(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today that a rebate agreement that has saved Ohio agencies nearly $400,000 on the cost of naloxone since 2015 has been extended for one year.
The renewed agreement with Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. will continue to allow non-federal public entities in Ohio to receive a $6 rebate for each Amphastar naloxone syringe purchased until March 2, 2018.
"There is no doubt that the number of overdose deaths in Ohio would be significantly higher if not for the first responders who carry this life-saving drug," said Attorney General DeWine. "This rebate has already saved hundreds of thousands of dollars, and I'm pleased that this rebate will continue for another year."
So far, 101 agencies have been reimbursed a total of $391,672 for naloxone purchases made between March 2, 2015 and September 30, 2016. Another $77,424 in rebates are currently pending for the fourth quarter of 2016.
A full list of agencies that have received naloxone rebates can be found here.
When given to a person overdosing on heroin or a prescription opioid, naloxone can limit or stop the overdose by reversing the effects of the opioid on the brain.
Attorney General DeWine approached Amphastar in February 2015 following a dramatic increase in their cost for naloxone. The rebate agreement then went into effect in March 2015 and was renewed for one year in March 2016.
If Amphastar raises its wholesale price of naloxone during the term of the agreement, the company will also increase the rebate amount.
Non-federal, Ohio government agencies are eligible to receive rebate payments. This includes, but is not limited to, state agencies, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services, county health departments, Project DAWN community programs, and county or local government agencies.
For information on how to apply for the rebates visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/NaloxoneRebate.
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Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840