MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Brad Schimel today announced he has renewed the State’s agreement with Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, which established a rebate program for the heroin and prescription painkiller antidote naloxone. Naloxone, often branded as Narcan, can be administered as a nasal spray or injection and works within minutes to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
“When an individual has overdosed on prescription painkillers or heroin, we only have a few minutes to intervene and save that person’s life,” said Attorney General Schimel. “I appreciate Amphastar’s willingness to partner with the State and provide those on the frontlines of this battle with financial relief.”
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals has agreed to continue providing a $6 rebate for each Amphastar naloxone syringe purchased by public entities in Wisconsin from now until February 1, 2018.
“Since 2013, we have been working to expand access to lifesaving opioid antagonists like naloxone,” said Rep. John Nygren. “While these medications can be expensive, our state has worked with Amphastar on an agreement that ensures the affordability of these important medications. Measures like this save lives, and I’m looking forward to working with my legislative colleagues, the medical community, law enforcement and the Attorney General, and recovery advocates statewide on more efforts that will help combat Wisconsin’s opioid epidemic.”
State, county, and local government agencies, as well as law enforcement and other public and government entities that distribute naloxone are eligible for the Amphastar naloxone rebate.
