The two main drugs prescribed for Opioid Dependence Therapy in Australia are Methadone and Buprenorphine. Methadone is available orally, while buprenorphine can be prescribed sublingually (Suboxone™ or Subutex™) or subcutaneously, in a long-acting injection. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved two brands of Long-acting Injectable Buprenorphine – Buvidal™ - a weekly or monthly depot injection, and Sublocade™ - a monthly depot injection.
In Victoria, GPs and NPs can prescribe buprenorphine for up to ten patients. To prescribe to more than ten patients, and to prescribe methadone, practitioners must complete Medication Assisted Treatment of Opioid Therapy (MATOD) accreditation training. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) offers training either online or in face-to-face workshops.
