HCV genotype distribution among injection drug users in Taiwan

Abstract

naltrexone in opioid dependent patients, including both datadriven and addressing commonly asked topics on safety (e.g., hepatic health, anhedonia/depression, post treatment overdose risk). Methods: Per-subject urine data was solicited from all RCT authors and subjected to statistical analysis in accordance with Cochrane requirements. Subjective measures of opioid agonist use and other substances were also analyzed. For safety outcomes, a qualitative assessment was conducted of all relevant RCT and non-RCT contributions. Seven databases were searched, producing n=1104 abstracts, of which n=43 were relevant articles and n=6 were RCTs. Risk of bias was assessed for all studies in accordance with Cochrane principles. Results: Meta-analysis found a main effect of sustained release naltrexone on illicit opioid use (Z=5.2, p< .01) on both urine and subjective measures. On safety outcomes, sustained release naltrexone was generally well tolerated with some variations in site reactions due to the type of administration method used. Risk of biaswas generally consideredmoderate to high, especially for nonrandomized studies. Conclusions: Sustained releasenaltrexone increases abstinence from opioids in opioid dependent patients who volunteered for this type of medication-assisted abstinence and was generally safe in use. While no larger studies have yet compared sustained release naltrexone to maintenance treatment with methadone or buprenorphine, this review indicates that sustained release naltrexone can be considered an effective an safe treatment option for opioid dependence. Note: Results & Conclusions are subject to final approval by the Cochrane Drugs & Alcohol Group editorial review board Financial Support: The University of Oslo The Research Council of Norway.