Buprenorphine use compared to methadone

Abstract

A poster presentation regarding buprenorphine use compared to methadone. Introduction: Malta had an estimated 6.1 opioid users per 1000 capita in 2010, the third highest rate in Europe. Untreated opioid dependence is associated with higher mortality, increased risk of blood borne infections, and social and economic implications. Opioid misuse is also a common cause of crime and incarceration. The main opioid substitution treatment (OST) in Malta is methadone substitution therapy (MST). Other available OST include buprenorphine, buprenorphine/naloxone and naltrexone. Aims: This study established the 1) opinions and outcomes of MST and buprenorphine/naloxone substitution therapy (BST), 2) cost of treatment of MST which is found on the Maltese Government Formulary List, whereby opioid dependent individuals can obtain free opioid substitution therapy and 3) possible advantages of introducing BST on to this formulary list.