ScienceDaily (Apr. 21, 2005) — CHICAGO — Because of problems with adherence to a daily oral dose of naltrexone, the effectiveness found in treating alcohol dependence with a once-a-month injection of naltrexone could improve long-term treatment outcomes, according to a study in the April 6 issue of JAMA.
Alcohol dependence is a major public health problem, which worldwide is the fourth leading cause of disability, according to background information in the article. Alcohol dependence is present in approximately 4 percent of the U.S. adult population, is common among primary care patients, and may contribute to more than 100,000 preventable deaths per year. The drug naltrexone has shown efficacy for treatment of alcohol dependence. However, adherence to daily oral doses can be problematic, and clinical acceptance and utility of oral naltrexone have been limited.
James C. Garbutt, M.D., of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N.C., and colleagues conducted a study to determine the efficacy and safety of a new formulation, which releases naltrexone for 1 month following a single injection, for treatment of alcohol dependence.
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