Levomethadone Safety Profile and Effectiveness in Subjects under Opioid Maintenance Treatment: An Observational, Prospective Study
Author(s): Augusto Consoli*, Paola Fasciani, Emilio Vanoli and Marco Riglietta
Abstract
Purpose: To provide further data on the safety and effectiveness of levo- methadone after its long term use in a real world setting, an observational study involving opioid addicted patients undergoing maintenance treat- ment with levomethadone is ongoing in Italy (LEVOPROACT study). This work provides the results of the interim analysis after 2 years from the first site activation.
Methods: This is a prospective, observational, non-interventional, open ended study conducted in ten Italian centers and involving patients aged
≥18 years with a diagnosis of opioid addiction (ICD-10 F11.2), initiating or currently undergoing levomethadone maintenance treatment as for routine medical practice.
Results: Long term levomethadone therapy is effective in the treatment of opioid addiction, with a reduction in craving and opioid use, and a favor- able risk/benefit ratio.
Conclusion: Data collected in the present interim analysis are very en- couraging and support the good effectiveness and safety profile of levo- methadone therapy.