Like many of my colleagues, I am concerned at the use of naltrexone implants for addiction purposes in Australia without the normal safeguards of a new medication. As an alternative to post-marketing surveillance I propose a survey to seek first hand reports of experiences, both positive and negative, with these devices. Some have been used in patients who have travelled long distances and may lack sufficient local medical support.
Readers who have consulted with patients who have been prescribed naltrexone implants are invited to write to report their findings, including individual case reports. Age and sex of patients and dependency diagnosis would be useful, along with any other relevant clinical details (type of implant, number of implants, etc).
I undertake to collate these and report back to the appropriate parties, including health authorities, manufacturers (where these are known), informants and patient groups for their information.
In medicine, �proof of effectiveness� means that a sufficient number of positive research trials of high quality have been published by reputable authors in peer reviewed, respected journals.
In my view we have not yet reached this situation by general consensus with naltrexone implants.
With best regards,
Andrew Byrne ..
Potential conflict of interest: In my practice I prescribe and dispense methadone, buprenorphine and other drugs in the treatment of addictions. I have published on methadone to abstinence experience in my own medical practice (ref on request).
