Media Releases and Communiques
Access to Buprenorphine on the PBS
Federal Health Minister, Dr Michael Wooldridge, today announced that from 1 August 2001 buprenorphine will be available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for the treatment of opioid dependence, within a framework of medical, social and psychological treatment.
MW65/01
31st July 2001
Access to Buprenorphine on the PBS
Federal Health Minister, Dr Michael Wooldridge, today announced that from 1 August 2001 buprenorphine will be available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for the treatment of opioid dependence, within a framework of medical, social and psychological treatment.
"This decision will increase access and affordability of this effective new treatment option for opioid dependent people," he said.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy Dr Wooldridge said that the Meeting today also considered The National Evaluation of Pharmacotherapies for Opioid Dependence (NEPOD) that was funded under the National Illicit Drug Strategy.
"That evaluation looked at a range of treatment options, including methadone, naltrexone, buprenorphine and LAAM," Dr Wooldridge said.
"The outcome of these, and other clinical trials conducted both in Australia and overseas, clearly identify buprenorphine as an effective treatment for both detoxification and maintenance of opioid dependent people."
A National Buprenorphine Policy and National Clinical Guidelines and Procedures for the use of Buprenorphine in the Treatment of Heroin Dependence have recently been developed under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs. These publications should facilitate a smooth introduction of buprenorphine for widespread use, ensuring that issues of safety remain paramount.
Dr Wooldridge emphasised that there is no 'one size fits all' approach to the treatment of illicit drug users and that a diverse range of treatment services is needed.
"Buprenorphine will make a valuable addition to the treatment options currently available for the management of opioid dependence," Dr Wooldridge said.
In addition to pharmacotherapies such as buprenorphine and methadone, the Commonwealth has also provided considerable support for non-pharmacological treatment services. Since August 1998, as part of the National Illicit Drug Strategy, funding of more than $57 million has been allocated to 133 non-government organisations from across Australia under the Non-Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program. The range of projects funded includes outreach support, outpatient counselling, inpatient and outpatient detoxification and medium to long term rehabilitation.
Media Contact: Craig Simonetto, Office of Dr Wooldridge 0413 722 281
Kay McNiece, Dept. Health and Aged Care 0412 132 585
