Benefits of rapid treatment against opioid use disorder

An NIH-supported clinical trial indicates that starting extended-release naltrexone (XR-naltrexone) within five to seven days of patients seeking treatment for opioid use disorder is more effective than the conventional 10-15 day period. Traditionally, XR-naltrexone treatment necessitates a seven- to 10-day opioid-free period to avoid withdrawal symptoms, posing a barrier as patients risk relapse during this wait. The new protocol, tested on 415 patients at six inpatient facilities, involved a quicker initiation process: one day of buprenorphine, a 24-hour opioid-free period, and a gradual increase in oral naltrexone over three to four days. Results showed that 62.7% of patients in the rapid treatment group received the XR-naltrexone injection compared to 35.8% in the standard group. The rapid group experienced slightly higher rates of adverse events and required more medical attention, indicating a need for closer monitoring. Although it requires more intensive medical supervision, the study highlights the potential for this rapid treatment protocol to enhance the viability of XR-naltrexone as a treatment option amid the opioid crisis. Despite the improved initiation rates, patient retention posed a challenge, with many leaving the program early.

Source: asamonitor.pub/3X5EBtu