Updated Date: Jul 14, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Conclusions:  Direct BNX induction was a safe and effective strategy for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. Response to high�dose direct BNX induction appears to be similar to indirect BPN�to�BNX induction and was not associated with reports of intravenous BNX misuse. (Source: Addiction)

Authors: Wallace M
PMID: 21853690 [PubMed – in process] (Source: Australian Nursing Journal)

In this study, we compared their effects on adenylate cyclase (AC) activity in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells stably overexpressing human μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and nociceptin/opioid receptor-like 1 receptor (ORL1) simultaneously. After acute exposure, methadone inhibited AC activity; however, buprenorphine induced compromised AC inhibition. When naloxone was introduced after 30 min incubation with methadone, the AC activity was enhanced. This was not observed in the case of buprenorphine. Enhancement of the AC activity was more significant when the incubation lasted for 4 h, and prolonged exposure to buprenorphine elevated the AC activity as well. The removal of methadone and buprenorphine by washing also obtained similar AC superactivation as that revealed by naloxone challen…

AbstractNAATP: Goodbye to Last Year, Hello to Health Reform, New CEOTASC Stays Focused on Reform Despite Illinois Budget ChallengesChildhood ADHD Found to Predict SUDs 10 Years LaterFDA Says Okay to Give Vivitrol or Suboxone Without CounselingCalifornia Set to Eliminate ADP; Counties Would Administer FundsBriefly NotedResourcesComing up (Source: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Weekly)

The NY Times this morning had an interesting article on a problem of which I was completely unaware: the abuse of Suboxone in prisons. According to the report:
“Innovative smugglers have turned crushed Suboxone pills into a paste and spread it under stamps or over children’s artwork, including pages from a princess coloring book found in a New Jersey jail.”
Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone combined in a 4:1 ratio) have recently become available as orange strips — similar to breath strips — that dissolve under the tongue.  Buprenorphine, a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist, has similar effect to those of morphine or heroin but is less potent and longer-lasting.  It has long been used in Europe as an alternative to methadone for drug detox.  The idea of com…

AbstractColumn Promoting Suboxone Film, Criticizing Methadone, Angers FieldCenter Takes Proactive Approach on Integrated Care, Research EffortsStates Encouraging Providers to Enroll in MedicaidLegal Action to Enforce Parity Contemplated, Ramstad Tells ADAWJournalist in Recovery Describes Her Experience in MATBriefly NotedIn the StatesBusinessResourcesComing up (Source: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Weekly)

(Source: Reactions)

(Source: Reactions)

Conclusions. There is enough high quality data to formulate evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of opioid abuse and dependence. This task force report provides evidence for the efficacy of a number of medications to treat opioid abuse and dependence, particularly the opioid agonists methadone or buprenorphine. These medications have great relevance for clinical practice.
PMID: 21486104 [PubMed – in process] (Source: The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry)