Methadone-Related Deaths in Norway.
Methadone-related deaths in Norway.
Forensic Sci Int. 2012 Dec 12;
Bernard JP, Havnes I, Slørdal L, Waal H, Mørland J, Khiabani HZ
INTRODUCTION: The use of methadone in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) is potentially associated with a number of adverse effects and the risk of fatal toxicity. Increased methadone availability may lead to an increase in methadone-related deaths. We have investigated methadone-related deaths in Norway over the period 2000-2006. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methadone-positive samples over the period 2000-2006 were identified from forensic toxicological investigations, and demographic and toxicological data were retrieved. The cases were cross-linked with the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry and regional OMT registers. RESULTS: A total of 312 individuals had died after taking methadone over the period 2000-2006, predominantly men with a mean age of 36. In 85% of cases (n=264), the deceased had died of a methadone-related intoxication, most often in combination with other drugs, including benzodiazepines, cannabis and other opioids. Only 22% of the deceased had been in OMT at the time of death. A larger proportion of OMT patients had died of causes other than intoxications compared to those not in OMT (30% vs. 8%, respectively), most commonly related to disease. CONCLUSIONS: One methadone-related death occurred, on average, every week over the time period investigated. Only 22% of the deceased were registered in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) programs. The findings underline the need to control diversion of medication from OMT programs.
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J Addict Dis. 2012 Oct; 31(4): 321-6
Jones HE, Heil SH, Kaltenbach K, Stine SM, Coyle MG, Arria AM, O’Grady KE, Selby P, Martin PR
Mouse monoclonal antibody specific to methadone metabolite.
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