Are you or someone you know addicted to drugs and struggling to get out of that dark world? We know how difficult and painful it can be. But don't give up hope. With the advancement of modern medicine, there are various treatments that can help you in this fight. Today we are talking about one such special, successful treatment, the Buprenorphine Implant.
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What is this Buprenorphine Implant?
Simply put, this is a medication used to treat a condition called Opioid Use Disorder. Opioids are drugs like heroin and some strong painkillers.
This is not a pill or capsule that you take home. This is a small stick-like device. A trained doctor numbs it and implants it under the skin of your upper arm in a hospital or clinic. The implant then slowly, steadily, releases the drug into your body over a period of several months.
This medicine does two main things:
1. Reduces withdrawal symptoms: This helps control withdrawal symptoms such as pain, vomiting, sweating, and restlessness.
2. Reduces drug cravings: This medicine reduces the urge to use drugs again.
Most importantly, this treatment is most effective when combined with counseling and behavioral therapy . This is not something you can do alone, but requires the support of a medical team.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
This treatment is not suitable for everyone, so it is very important to tell your doctor the whole truth about your health. Especially if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to inform your doctor about it.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why is it important to tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Liver disease | Since this medication is eliminated from the body through the liver, special consideration must be given to dosage or treatment in cases of liver problems. |
| Lung disease, asthma, or breathing difficulties | This medicine can make breathing a little difficult. This can be dangerous if you already have breathing problems. |
| Heart disease or heart rhythm irregularities | It is essential to be aware of heart disease, as it can sometimes affect the heartbeat. |
| If you drink alcohol regularly | The combination of alcohol and this medication can cause excessive drowsiness, breathing difficulties, and even death. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In these cases, it is important to discuss treatment with a doctor before deciding on treatment, as it may affect the child. |
| Other diseases (e.g. brain tumors, head injuries, seizures, adrenal insufficiency) | All of these conditions can affect treatment, so tell your doctor your complete medical history. |
What to do if you overdose on medication?
Since this is an implant, the risk of overdose is generally low. However, if you use other opioids while taking this medication or if you experience any other symptoms of overdose (excessive drowsiness, slow breathing, loss of consciousness), go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This is a medicine that has been prescribed for you only, do not share it with others.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Some medications can interact with this implant and cause dangerous side effects.
| Do not take this medicine with anything! | |
|---|---|
| Cisapride | Dronedarone |
| Pimozide | Safinamide |
| Samidorphan | Thioridazine |
In addition, this medicine can interact with many other medications. For example:
- Alcohol
- Some medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines)
- Medication for anxiety or sleep
- Some medications for depression
- Antifungals (e.g. Ketoconazole)
- Some medications for HIV or Hepatitis
- Some medications for seizures (e.g. Carbamazepine)
- Muscle relaxants
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including any illegal drugs you use .
Things to consider during treatment
- Follow medical advice: See your doctor on time. Be sure to attend counseling sessions.
- The most dangerous danger:
Warning! Avoid taking too much opioid medication to overcome the effects of this medication. It is very dangerous and can lead to respiratory arrest and death.
- Stopping suddenly: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Doing so may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. If you do stop, do so as directed by your doctor, gradually reducing the dose.
- Learn about Naloxone: Naloxone is an emergency treatment for opioid overdose. Ask your doctor about it and how to get it.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore , do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Constipation: This is a common side effect. If you haven't gone to the bathroom for 3 days, talk to your doctor . Eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water.
- If the implant comes out: In the rare case that the implant comes out of the skin or is protruding, wash your hands before touching it. Cover the area with a clean bandage. Place the implant in a plastic bag in a safe place out of reach of children, call your doctor immediately, and return it.
Possible side effects
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome |
|---|---|
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💡 Take-Home Message
- Buprenorphine implant is a treatment that is placed under the skin to help people overcome opioid addiction.
- This treatment is most effective when combined with counseling.
- Tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking before treatment.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and taking other medications that make you sleepy.
- Never take more drugs to try to eliminate the effects of this medicine. It is fatal.
- If you experience any dangerous side effects such as difficulty breathing, excessive drowsiness, or loss of consciousness, go to the ETU immediately.
- This is not a journey you should take alone. Be sure to seek the support of your doctor and counselor.
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