Supervised prescription of methadone plus heroin is more effective than methadone alone

Abstract

Question Is prescribed, supervised heroin safe and effective as a supplement to methadone? Study design Two unblinded randomised controlled trials examining the effects of inhaled or injected heroin plus methodone versus methodone alone. Main results In both inhalation and injection trials, more people improved in physical, social and mental functions on methadone plus heroin versus methadone alone over a 12-month period (inhalation trial: ARR 22.8%; 95% CI 11.0 to 34.6%; injection trial: ARR 24.3%, 95% CI 9.6 to 39.0%). Adverse events in each group were similar for both trials. Authors’ conclusions Treating people with methadone and heroin compared with methadone alone increased the proportion who responded with physical, mental or social improvements without increasing the rate of serious adverse events.