In the midst of what some call a heroin epidemic, the cost of Naloxone, a life-saving antidote, is skyrocketing

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - In the midst of what some call a heroin epidemic, the cost of Naloxone, a life-saving antidote, is skyrocketing.

About four times every day, Indianapolis first responders rely on Naloxone (also known as Narcan, which is the brand name) to save the lives of men and women over dosing on heroin.

Justin Slack knows that all too well. "It's saved my life three different times," he said.

A heroin addict for four years, Slack said he's been clean for three months.





"I don't understand why they would up the price on something that's saving someone's life," he explained "That blows my mind.'"

With heroin abuse growing exponentially in Indianapolis and other major cities, the price of Naloxone, also so know as Narcan, quadrupled in just two years.

Dr. Dan O'Donnell is the Medical Director of the city's Emergency Medical Services. "If not for Narcan, people could die," he said.

The heroin antidote, O'Donnell explained is now one of the most often used medications available to EMS crews.

"We know this is needed to save lives so we will always make room for it in a budget. It's not a medicine we can go without right now," he said.

The concern is for other first responders, in smaller departments across the state, being trained to use Naloxone, a well as individuals with prescriptions for the drug. They may not be able to afford it.

Justin Phillips' son Aaron died of a heroin overdose three years ago. She founded Overdose Lifeline. The nonprofit raises money to buy Naloxone to families, and first responders across the state.





"We still need what we can't afford to get," she said. "Without additional funding and the cost continuing to increase, that will happen we will not be able to meet the demand."

And provide the hope people like Justin need.

"I've had three or four times to stay alive." Slack explained. "It's amazing what life is really about once you can get clean." Justin Slack has one job. He's looking for another.

Justin Phillips fought to allow pharmacies to sell Naloxone. Those sales began July 1st. We're told that some major health insurance companies are covering Naloxone prescriptions. There's a co-pay of about $40. Without insurance it's about $150.