The results of a small study indicate that a new, long-lasting formula of the drug buprenorphine may be effective in treating individuals addicted to heroin, Reuters reported Jan. 30.
Researchers at John Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md., found that the long-lasting form of the drug, known as a “depot” formulation, blocks the effect of opioid drugs, such as heroin and morphine, and prevents withdrawal symptoms for as long as six weeks.
“I believe the depot medication offers promise as a way to make effective treatment more accessible to opioid-addicted patients without the need to worry that the treatment medication itself might be misused or abused,” said Dr. George E. Bigelow, lead author of the study.
Source: www.jointogether.org