The Opioid Replacement Program (ORP) provides opioid replacement therapy for people dependent on opioids such as heroin, morphine and oxycodone. It gives people a chance to stop their illicit or problematic use of opioids and reduce the harms of such use. They can then focus on improving their health and lifestyle and prepare for eventually staying drug-free.
Different drug treatments are available, and an authorised doctor's assessment is required to determine the most suitable treatment.
Buvidal® is a modified release formulation of BPN, registered in Australia for 'maintenance treatment of opioid dependence within a framework of medical, social and psychological support'. Buvidal® is designed to be administered by subcutaneous injection once a week (Buvidal® Weekly) or once a month (Buvidal® Monthly).
Sublocade® is an extended-release formulation of BPN, administered monthly by subcutaneous (SC) injection and provides sustained plasma levels of BPN over the monthly dosing interval.
Patients must be provided accurate information and options regarding their medication and treatment as part of informed decision-making and consent. Once-a-week and once-a-month depot injections reduce the need for daily supervised and/or 'takeaway' doses of Sublingual (SL) BPN formulations.
Potential benefits of depot BPN treatment include
- Greater convenience for patients in that they will not have to attend dosing sites (pharmacies, clinics) frequently for supervised dosing.
- Reduced treatment costs.
- Greater medication adherence and enhanced treatment outcomes for some patients who struggle to attend regularly for dosing with SL BPN.
- Less risk of diversion and non-medical use of the medication, enhancing community safety.
However, BPN formulations may not suit all patients. Some will prefer SL BPN or methadone treatment, and these options should be available. Registered health practitioners must administer Buvidal® and Sublocade®. Buvidal® and Sublocade® medications must not be handled by or dispensed to patients or carers. Anyone wishing to enquire about any further information, please feel free to contact Queen Street Medical Centre to arrange an appointment with Dr Neil Starmer.
