§ Mr. RathboneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what tests have been carried out on the use of naltrexone to treat heroin addiction and avoid death from heroin misuse; and when naltrexone will become available under prescription for such treatment. [28544]
§ Mr. BowisIn the United Kingdom naltrexone is not recommended by the British National Formulary in the treatment of patients who are currently addicted to heroin, although recent studies, mainly in the United States of America, have used naltrexone in combination with other drugs to assist rapid detoxification. In the United Kingdom, naltrexone may be prescribed to prevent relapse in detoxified, formerly opiate dependent, addicts. Its prescription is a matter for individual clinicians in discussion with their patients.