Naltrexone implants are available to the following patients:
- Patients who are attending the Detox 5 inpatient programme.
- Outpatients who test clean of opiates and opiate type drugs.
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What is a Naltrexone implant? |
A Naltrexone implant is actually a number of small pellets ranging from 1 – 30 pellets depending on both type and brand of implant used. The type used at Detox 5 involves 20 pellets. (each pellet about the size of a frozen pea). These are inserted in 2 groups of 10 via a small tube (sometimes called a ‘rod’) just in front of the hip bone during a short surgical procedure
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How does it work? |
The Naltrexone pellets dissolve over a period of time in the body rather like soluble stitches, and in the same way as naltrexone tablets do, these blocks the psychological effects of opiates and opiate type drugs.
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What are the benefits? |
Whilst there is little long term researched evidence at present, there is better compliance in the short/medium term as once the implant is inserted, the block is already in place.
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How long does each implant last? |
There is limited evidence that the implant lasts for a set period of time as everyone is different and various factors can affect the efficacy rate.
At Detox 5 we use the double O’Neill implant which is reported to last for between 4 and 6 months.
A blood test at four months will provide you with confirmation of naltrexone levels in your system; this will show whether your implant is wearing off or is still effective. It will also provide an indication on whether a further implant is required. |
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How long will it take? |
The implant takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare and insert. |
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What happens? |
A local anesthetic is injected into the area in front of the hipbone and allowed to reach its full effects; this takes approximately 5-10 minutes. An incision is made in the skin which is usually less than two centimeters long and the implant is inserted into the area. Two or three stitches are used to hold the implant in place and close the wound. |
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| Will I experience pain? |
There may be some stinging associated with the anesthesia (a bit like when you have an injection at the dentist) however you should not feel any pain during the procedure.
After the anesthesia has worn off, usually between 4 and to 6 hours later, you may experience some tenderness. Over-the-counter preparations will be adequate to deal with this. Opiate based painkillers, such as codeine, should not be used. |
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| When will I be able to go home? |
It is anticipated that you will be able to leave approximately two hours after the implant has been inserted. However every patient responds differently and we may request that you remain with us a little longer. |
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| Will I be able to have a member of my family/friend with me during the procedure? |
Yes we actively encourage family/friend involvement; obviously they may need to arrive a little earlier than normal on discharge day and be aware that you will not be able to leave immediately following the implant. |
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| What will happen if I use heroin/opiate drugs after I have had the implant? |
The implant will block the psychological effects of the opiate but repeated attempts to override the implant will shorten its life span and result in an overdose. |
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| For all patients attending for the implant, we require a completed medical referral which can be obtained by contacting our Patient Services Centre on 0800 515282 or emailing us at info@detox5.co.uk |
