Many physicians are still skeptic to treat opioid dependants, with or without maintenance treatment, for hepatitis C (HCV) because of concerns about psychiatric comorbidity, stability and adherence. In Norway, there are about 3,500 patients participating in the restrictive medication-assisted rehabilitation (LAR) programs in which all patients are given methadone or buprenorphine maintenance therapy.
Abstract
Method: Seventeen patients with HCV genotype 3a were treated for 24 weeks. To optimize compliance, the treatment was given from a department of infectious diseases in cooperation with an LAR center. All injections were given in the LAR center and the patients were given psychosocial support. Results: The compliance was 100%. All responded to the therapy and 16 (94%) were sustained responders. Discussion/Conclusion: This study indicates that compliance and treatment outcome of opioid dependants on methadone or buprenorphine maintenance after 24 weeks of HCV treatment corresponds to that for non-dependants if extra support is given. The treatment should be undertaken in collaboration with specialists in addiction medicine, hepatology and infectious diseases.