Monthly dose of Buprenorphine for treating opioid addiction, approved by FDA

U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a once in a month injection of Buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid addiction.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, FDA Commissioner said that there are millions of Americans, who are suffering from the opioid drug addiction and millions are worried about their near and dear ones for the overdose of the pandemic situation, which could even take the life of a person.

He also told that there is an immediate need of taking some action to help those, who are suffering from opioid use disorder and bring them back to the stage of sobriety.

The number of deaths due to opioid use grew four times between 2000 and 2015, as reported by Centers for the U.S. Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Recent research by John Hopkins reported that the number of deaths with the drugs consumption was 52,000 in 2015 that rose to 64,000 in 2016. According to the data, most of the deaths were caused due to medically prescribed opioid, especially fentanyl and oxycodone (Oxycontin), as well as the illegal drug, heroin. Thus, there is a need for better treatment approaches.

Gottlieb explained that drug-based treatment of opioid addiction acts by stabilizing the brain chemistry, reducing and blocking the euphoric effects of opioids, reducing physiological cravings, and normalizing body functions.

According to FDA, there are three approved medications for opioid addiction viz. buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone. It is advised to medical practitioners to offer all these options to the patients so that he/she can choose the that one suits him/her the best.

It was also reported that most Americans don’t have access to any kind of opioid treatment.

Source: drugs.com