In recognition of the safety and efficacy of buprenorphine pharmacotherapy, the Victorian Department of Health's Policy for Maintenance Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence was amended in April 2021 to allow all medical practitioners to prescribe selected buprenorphine formulations for up to 10 patients without undertaking the formal RACGP pharmacotherapy training. This is an important change to improve patient access to pharmacotherapy.
The formulations which any general practitioner may prescribe are:
- Suboxone™ - buprenorphine/naloxone film (daily, regularly supervised dosing)
- Buvidal™ - buprenorphine subcutaneous depot (weekly-monthly injection)
- Sublocade™ - buprenorphine subcutaneous depot (monthly injection).
The Brief clinical guidelines for long-acting injectable buprenorphine (downloads as Word doc) were updated in 2021 and are available at the Department of Health Pharmacotherapy hub.
An even more concise primer for buprenorphine prescribing can be found in this six-page guide which outlines the step-by-step process for prescribing sublingual buprenorphine.
Access the free MATOD modules described below.
- Module 1: Implement safe and effective opioid prescribing. Recognise, prevent, and respond to problematic opioid use.
- Module 2: Become an accredited MATOD prescriber. Provides prescribers with the skills and confidence to assess, manage and initiate patients on Opioid Replacement Therapy.
- Module 3: Improve knowledge and confidence in prescribing and administering LAIB.
Support for Opioid Dependence Treatment - Prescribers
The Area 4 Pharmacotherapy Network offers a variety of supports for GPs 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)
- The MATOD Clinical Placement Program
- Victorian Opioid Management ECHO (see Project ECHO)
- Bi-monthly RACGP-accredited Small Group Learning meetings – held in Box Hill, Bayside and Frankston-Mornington
- Multidisciplinary Community of Practice events.
Contact the Area 4 Pharmacotherapy Network to access any of these free supports.
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