§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the use of Subutex in drugs treatment. [153982]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 9 February 2004]: Subutex is licensed for use in the treatment of opiate dependency. which is included in the clinical guidelines on the management of drug misuse and dependence issued by the Department in 1999. The Department has also made it possible for doctors to prescribe Subutex for instalment dispensing, to ensure there is no disincentive for its use as compared to methadone. While there are recognised advantages, there are also disadvantages to its use. There is a clear risk of Subutex being abused by injection. Methadone liquid appears more suitable for severely dependent opiate addicts. It is for clinicians to determine the appropriate use of Subutex for patients.