Suboxone Approved in U.K.

[Micklemouse]

From drinkanddrugs.net

http://www.drinkanddrugs.net/news.html

New alternative to methadone launched in UK
An alternative treatment to methadone and buprenorphine has just been launched and is available immediately for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. Suboxone, manufactured by Schering-Plough, is buprenorphine hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride. The combination of naloxone alongside buprenorphine (whose formulations include Subutex) is designed to limit the potential for misuse, as well as lowering its street value. The drug is prescribed to be taken sublingually (under the tongue), which renders the naloxone component ineffective, because of its poor bioavailability through this route. If the drug is injected however, the naloxone is activated, causing withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone was approved on the basis of a year-long clinical trial, comparing it with buprenorphine and a placebo. It had similar efficacy and safety to buprenorphine and had similar side effects to this and other opioid agonist treatments. Dr Michael Farrell, consultant psychologist at The National Addiction Centre said the medical community would welcome new treatment options. Daren Garratt, executive director of The Alliance, said the patient community also welcomed the addiction of new treatments for heroin addiction. 'More choice for people trying to control or stop using opioids can only be a good thing,' he added.