Pharmacotherapy, also known as Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT) or Medication Assisted Treatment of Opioid Dependence (MATOD) is an effective, evidenced-based approach to treating patients with Opioid Use Disorder.
Pharmacotherapy involves the use of methadone, buprenorphine, or buprenorphine/naloxone to help minimise and manage an individual’s symptoms of craving and withdrawal, fostering a level of physical and mental stability upon which further support structures may be established.
Opioid Use Disorder (also commonly known to as opioid dependence) is a chronic, relapsing condition. While it can be perceived as being an issue only related to street drugs such as heroin, the misuse of pharmaceutical (i.e. prescribed) opioids has been growing steadily over recent years.
ODT medicines have recently (since July 2023) been included on the PBS, significantly lowering the barrier to access for patients. Given the expected increase in demand for treatment, now is an excellent time for health professionals to improve their knowledge of, and their confidence in this treatment space.
Opioid pharmacotherapy in Victoria
In Victoria, pharmacotherapy is prescribed in the community by accredited GPs or nurse practitioners and is most commonly dispensed in approved community pharmacies. An increasing demand for treatment coupled with a decreasing number of pharmacotherapy prescribers has resulted in a gap in service provision in this sector.
The policy changes rolled out in July 2023 have facilitated pharmacist administration of long-acting injectable buprenorphine, a newer formulation of Opioid Dependence Treatment which has seen a significant growth in use since 2020.
Area 4 Pharmacotherapy Network
The Pharmacotherapy Area-Based Networks (PABN) are a Victorian Government initiative to provide opioid pharmacotherapy support for primary care medical and nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists and other clinicians, across the state of Victoria including metropolitan, regional and rural areas.
The Area 4 Pharmacotherapy Network (A4PN) works to improve access to pharmacotherapy services in southern and eastern metropolitan Melbourne. We offer a variety of supports for health professionals managing patients who are living with opioid use disorder. This initiative is funded by the Victorian Department of Health and is led by South Eastern Melbourne PHN in partnership with Eastern Melbourne PHN.
Should you encounter any difficulties in accessing or offering services, we encourage you to contact the Area 4 Pharmacotherapy Network at A4PN@semphn.org.au, call 03 8514 6600, or access the Victorian Pharmacotherapy Area-Based Networks website.
Support and shared learning for Prescribers
The Area 4 Pharmacotherapy Network offers a variety of supports for prescribers managing patients with opioid dependence:
- GP Mentoring (via phone, email or face-to-face)
- Addiction Medicine Specialist advice and secondary consultation (via phone or face-to-face)
- Small Group Learning meetings
- Multidisciplinary Community of Practice events
Contact the Area 4 Pharmacotherapy Network to access any of these free supports.
SEMPHN has a number of resources available for pharmacotherapy prescribers.
General Resources
Policy for maintenance pharmacotherapy for opioid dependence
National guidelines for medication-assisted treatment of opioid dependence
Clinical guidelines for long-acting injectable buprenorphine (downloads as Word doc)
A guide for buprenorphine prescribing which outlines the step-by-step process for prescribing sublingual buprenorphine
A guide for take-home doses
Guide to the Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2006
Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS)
PAMS – Pharmacotherapy Advocacy Mediation Support
DirectLine – Confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral in Victoria
