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New formulation of methadone for opioid dependence in France: acceptability and diversion/misuse liability
Céline Eiden1, Yves Léglise, Lisa Bertomeu
1Centre d'Évaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Montpellier, France. c-eiden@chu-montpellier.fr
Background:
A new formulation of methadone as capsules is marketed in France since 2008. Few data are available on the patient acceptability and the risk of misuse of this new formulation.
Methods:
To assess the patient acceptability after the switch methadone syrup/capsules and the diversion/misuse liability of the methadone capsule, a study through an anonymous questionnaire was conducted between March 2011 and May 2012 in two methadone centers of the region.
Results:
Forty-one patients (men 75.6%) participated, with a median age of 37 years [IQR: 33-43 years]. The median duration of syrup methadone maintenance therapy was 1 year [IQR: 1-3 years]. A majority of patients (80.5%) described side-effects due to the syrup formulation. Median daily dose at the switch to methadone capsules was 75 mg [IQR: 42-105 mg]. Six patients described differences in the pharmacologic effect between the two formulations. Concerning the diversion and misuse liability of methadone capsules, 26.8% of patients reported that the medication was available at the "street market". Three patients have tried to solubilize and eight have tried to snooze it.
Conclusion:
All patients recognize the contribution of this new formulation concerning the use, side-effects and transport. None of them returned to the syrup.
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