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Related Experiment Videos

Naltrexone implants -- duration, tolerability and clinical usefulness. A pilot study.

Helge Waal1, Grethe Frogopsahl, Linda Olsen

  • 1Unit for Addiction Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. helge.waal@medisin.uio.no

European Addiction Research
|June 17, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Long-acting naltrexone implants show promise for opioid dependence treatment. Double implants maintained therapeutic naltrexone levels for over five months, with minimal side effects and reduced drug use.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Addiction Medicine
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Naltrexone is effective for opioid dependence but has poor patient compliance.
  • Long-acting injectable or implantable formulations could improve treatment adherence and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel Australian naltrexone implant in opioid-dependent patients.
  • To assess the duration of therapeutic naltrexone plasma levels achieved with single and double implants.

Main Methods:

  • An open-label pilot study involving 13 opioid-dependent patients.
  • Administration of a single 1.8 g naltrexone implant.
  • Assessment of naltrexone plasma levels over time to determine implant duration.
  • Evaluation of side effects, opioid use, and other psychoactive drug use.

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  • 1-year follow-up to assess patient satisfaction.

    • Main Results:

    • Single implants maintained naltrexone plasma levels above 1 ng/ml for 2-4 months.
    • Double implants sustained therapeutic levels for 5-6.5 months.
    • No opioid use was reported during adequate naltrexone plasma levels.
    • Use of other psychoactive drugs decreased.
    • Side effects were minimal, and patient satisfaction was high at 1-year follow-up.

    Conclusions:

    • The Australian naltrexone implant is a promising long-acting formulation for opioid dependence treatment.
    • Double implants provide sustained therapeutic naltrexone levels, potentially improving compliance and treatment outcomes.
    • The formulation appears safe and well-tolerated, with positive patient-reported outcomes.