Safety of injectable opioid maintenance treatment for heroin dependence

Injectable diacetylmorphine is more effective than oral methadone in the treatment of chronic relapsing opioid dependence

“…SpO 2 (oxygen staturation) fell to an average below 80% after each heroin dose in one study, 4 and seizures in this study highlight this. The second concern is the long-term therapeutic value of heroin prescription.…”

Diacetylmorphine versus Methadone for the Treatment of Opioid Addiction

“…21,22 When injected opioids are taken under the supervision of health care staff, overdoses and seizures have been shown to be effectively treated. 10,12,13,22 Had these overdoses occurred under circumstances in which no medical help was immediately available, as would be the case with the use of illicit heroin, the outcomes might have been worse. Our safety data suggest that diacetylmorphine should be delivered in settings where prompt medical intervention is available.…”

Physical and mental health in severe opioid‐dependent patients within a randomized controlled maintenance treatment trial

“…The outcomes of all SAEs possibly, probably or definitely related to heroin medication were described as being restored. Due to the risk of respiratory depression or epileptic seizures, patients should be observed for at least 15 minutes after heroin injections in a facility with first‐aid resources (qualified staff, including a physician, and first‐aid equipment) [33].…”