THE FRENCH EXPERIENCE - THE PHARMACIST, GENERAL-PRACTITIONER AND PATIENT PERSPECTIVE

High-dose buprenorphine (Subutex(R)) has been available in France as a maintenance treatment since February 1996. Results from a twice yearl y survey of pharmacists, general practitioners (GPs) and patients them selves in the use of Subutex(R) appeared to be representative of the g eneral substitution therapy situation in France. Results from May 1997 were encouraging, with improved relationships between pharmacists and patients, and GPs and patients being reported in all three surveys. T he most commonly prescribed dosage of buprenorphine (6-8 mg) was withi n the recommended range, although there was evidence that this was usu ally taken as several daily intakes by the majority of addicts. Althou gh intravenous injection may occur in some cases, illicit resale was s uspected only in a few cases. Treatment efficacy was high and retentio n at six months was good since patients had a positive opinion of thei r treatment and reported few adverse effects. Further improvement in t he relationships between GPs and pharmacists is desirable to increase the success of the treatment programme.