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FDA approves implant for patients with opioid dependence

By Kaitlyn Chana, Action News Jax
By Kaitlyn Chana, Action News Jax

Action News Jax got a first look at a new way to treat opioid addiction. This is the first-ever implant for opioid dependence approved by the Food and Drug Administration and doctors believe it will save lives.

The implant is called Probuphine and carries the medicine buprenorphine in the form of an implant. Addiction specialist Dr. Amit Vijapura told us this new form will deliver the same dosage every day and patients don’t have to take a pill or schedule a monthly doctor appointment.

“As soon as you start the treatment for opioid addiction, you don’t have to go through risk of dying. The treatment for opioid addiction is called buprenorphine,” Vijapura said.

Vijapura said buprenorphine helps prevent physical withdrawals in those suffering from opioid or heroin addictions. Probuphine delivers buprenorphine continuously for up to six months.

“Having buprenorphine in your system and dispensing it, then you don’t have to think about, 'When will I get my next high or pill?'” said Vijapura.

Probuphine implants are 26 millimeters long and 2.5 millimeters in diameter, or about the size of a matchstick. Each implant contains the equivalent of 80 milligrams of buprenorphine and is placed under the skin in the inner side of the upper arm.

Cox Media Group

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