Vermont’s Take-Home Methadone Dispenser Program Could Be a ‘Game Changer’
Many patients in an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) have no choice but to travel to a clinic daily to receive their medication. This one factor alone can lead to patients discontinuing their treatment [2].
The e-pill Safe eliminates one of the biggest challenges recovering narcotic users confront. Being able to have up to 28 doses at home after one visit to the clinic gives them much more freedom to live their lives and focus on recovery.
Travel is a big hurdle for many patients, especially those living far away from their clinic or hub. It can also have an impact on their ability to work and take care of their families.
The federal government eased treatment regulations for patients with opioid use disorder during the pandemic, allowing some patients to take home more medication at a time due to risks of contracting the covid-19 virus. During this time many patients felt it benefitted their lives and helped them feel more normal [3].
When undergoing medication assisted treatment methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone will be prescribed. The main risk associated with methadone is overdose [4]. It is important to balance risks between convenience and quality of life. The e-pill Safe can offer this balance from the home.
Channel 3 News Video
“Using federal grants, the Chittenden Clinic purchased about 80 of the [e-pill Safe] and subscribed to a mobile app that allowed patients to securely record and send videos. Brooklyn eventually enrolled about 60 people in a three-year study.
The results were promising. 98% percent of the participants were still in treatment a year later, compared to the South Burlington clinic's typical methadone retention rate of about 55 percent. Half of the patients reported saving at least six hours of travel time and $70 in travel costs each week. Of more than 15,000 videos, only one showed someone intentionally trying to divert the medication.”
“60 percent of rural counties nationwide have no opioid treatment programs, and the stigma of addiction leaves some people reluctant to get help. Making treatment more accessible and confidential could be a game changer”
Read Seven Days Vermont Article Here
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Sources:
[1] Vermont's Take-Home Methadone Dispenser Program Could Be a 'Game Changer' | Health Care | Seven Days | Vermont's Independent Voice (sevendaysvt.com)
[2] https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-021-00535-y
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34895346/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310658/
