What is Naloxone - Drug Being Mentioned in Connection with Prince's Final Days?

While it is still not known how Prince died, much of the media focus is now on a report by TMZ that he had overdosed on Percocet and received a "save shot" from paramedics.

Heavy.com points out that fits the description of Naloxone, which is sold under the brand name Narcan.

So, what is Naloxone?

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it is used along with "emergency medical treatment to reverse the life-threatening effects of a known or suspected opiate (narcotic) overdose."

It is commonly referred to the "second-chance" drug because of its ability to reverse an overdose on drugs such as heroin and Percocet.

"It brings people back from the dead," says Josh Marquis, the long-time district attorney for Clatsop County, Oregon and frequent spokesman for the National Association of District Attorneys.

"It is incredibly effective."

That effectiveness has led to police departments and emergency medical technicians around the country carrying the drugs in what some call overdose kits.

At the same time, some are concerned it is becoming too easy to get.

Just this week, Maine Governor Paul LePage vetoed legislation that would have allowed it be given out by pharmacists without a prescription.

"Naloxone does not truly save lives; it merely extends them until the next overdose," he said.