FDA Approves New Implant for Opiate Addiction

Revolutionary ways of approaching the opioid epidemic have been coming to the surface lately, as evidenced by the FDA’s recent approval for a new implant for opiate addiction.

The implant, named Probuphine, is only available for patients who have gotten treatment at a center that is similar to a Florida sober living home. Because the implant provides a constant, low-level dose of buprenorphine for six months, it is important that patients are already consistently taking moderate doses of medications with buprenorphine it them.

According to FDA Commissioner, Robert M. Califf, M.D., “Opioid abuse and addiction have taken a devastating toll on American families. We must do everything we can to make new, innovative treatment options available that can help patients regain control over their lives.”  The approval for this new implant for opiate addiction promises to do just that – and more.

Califf further shares that, “Today’s approval provides the first-ever implantable option to support patient’s efforts to maintain treatment as part of their overall recovery program.” This is great news for those getting help at a Florida sober living house considering that medication-assisted treatment cuts a patient’s risk of relapse in half.

When the implant for opiate addiction was tested, 63% of the patients had no evidence of illicit opioid use during the six months of treatment. The recent FDA approval will further the expansion of medication-assisted treatment, and ultimately help addicts get the help they need from a Florida sober living home.