What it takes to reverse an overdose

When people overdose on opioids, the lifesaving drug naloxone reverses its effect on the respiratory system. Generic versions of this drug are cheap, but take training to administer. Drugmakers developed novel devices for lay people, but for a price.

Intravenous dose

How it works: This fast-acting method is preferred by emergency medics because it delivers the drug directly to the bloodstream. But syringe training is required, so it's not as accessible for lay people.

Cost: $39.60 for pre-filled syringes, a cost that doubled in 2014; as low as $20 without syringes

Nasal spray

How it works: A plunger delivers a dose of naloxone through the nose that should cause the overdosed person to begin breathing normally or wake up. Lay people can and do use this device.

Cost: $125

Auto-injector

How it works: This user-friendly device works like the better known EpiPen, and uses voice instruction to talk untrained people through delivering an injection to the thigh.

Cost: $4,500 — up from $690 two years ago (but often covered by insurance)