Revolutionising OUD Treatment: Rapid Naltrexone Initiation
Episode Overview
Rapid initiation of injection naltrexone can significantly reduce the time needed to start treatment. The study showed twice as many patients successfully began treatment with the rapid approach compared to traditional methods. Safety concerns were minimal and manageable, though close monitoring is essential. Offering all available treatment options can increase patient engagement and success rates. Real-world implementation requires dedicated training and resources but is feasible.
We were able to find that it was, from a statistical perspective, better to use the rapid approach.
Get ready for an eye-opening discussion as Dr. Nick Athanasiou sits down with Drs. Matisyahu Shulman and Adam Bisaga to chat about their recent study on the rapid initiation of injection naltrexone for opioid use disorder (OUD). These experts dive into the nitty-gritty of their research, which explores a faster method to get patients started on extended-release naltrexone, a medication used to treat OUD.
The conversation is packed with insights on the challenges and successes of implementing this rapid approach in real-world settings. Dr. Shulman and Dr. Bisaga share their experiences and findings, highlighting the potential benefits and some unexpected hurdles they encountered along the way. They also discuss the importance of offering all available treatment options to patients, particularly those who might be hesitant about traditional agonist-based treatments like methadone or buprenorphine.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in cutting-edge addiction treatment methods and the ongoing efforts to improve patient care in the field of addiction medicine. Tune in to learn how this rapid protocol could change the landscape of OUD treatment and why it’s crucial to keep exploring new ways to support those battling addiction.