[Experiences with levomethadone substitution in AIDS patients with intravenous drug dependence] NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


[Experiences with levomethadone substitution in AIDS patients with intravenous drug dependence]

Offentl Gesundheitswes. 1991 Aug-Sep;53(8-9):447-50. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/92131397
Ruter O; Haardt B; Demelius S; Kreisgesundheitsamt Recklinghauser.

Abstract: LMS of heroin addicts with AIDS is to be seen first of all as a part of AIDS prevention, secondly as an individual help for these very ill patients. The legal basis for North-Rhine Westphalia is described. In the district of Recklinghausen the Public Health Office developed a procedure for the LMS according to existing rules of the district of Unna and summarized it in 12 points after discussions with the Department of Public Prosecution. It contains procedural rules such as establishing the indication, agreement between doctor and patient, psychosocial care, prescription for levomethadone, urine analysis for control of other additional abuse, notice to the Public Health Commissioner, and a working group between all involved parties. In the district of Recklinghausen we have experiences with 14 IV-drug addicts infected with AIDS who receive or received levomethadone. Up to now we observe mostly positive experiences concerning social reintegration and the reduction of crime incidence among these people. It is most important that patients can be stabilized to be able to undergo AIDS specific therapy or prophylactic medication against opportunistic infections.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/ *TRANSMISSION Adult Ambulatory Care Drug and Narcotic Control/LEGISLATION & JURISPRUD English Abstract Germany Health Policy/LEGISLATION & JURISPRUD Human Male Methadone/*THERAPEUTIC USE Narcotic Dependence/*REHABILITATION Patient Compliance Substance Abuse, Intravenous/*REHABILITATION JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/KWDprevention&control/KWDtransmissionadultambulatorycaredrugandnarcoticcontrol/legislation&jurisprudenglishabstractgermanyhealthpolicy/legislation&jurisprudhumanmalemethadone/KWDtherapeuticusenarcoticdependence/KWDrehabilitationpatientcompliancesubstanceabuse,intravenous/KWDrehabilitationjournalarticle
920530
M9250561

Copyright © 1992 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1992. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1992. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .