Clinic implants State’s first opiate ‘blocker’

The first procedure to fit an opiate ‘blocker’ has taken place in Ireland, with the clinic in charge forecasting that the process could help many others who want to break their heroin addiction.

While ‘blocker’ drugs have been used in different forms, albeit at relatively low levels, the person fitted in Dublin with the Naltrexone implant is understood to be the first to undergo such a procedure here.

The ‘bar’ is placed into the lower abdomen during a minor surgical procedure with the patient under local anaesthetic. Unlike tablets or injections of Naltrexone, the effects of the implant last for up to three months before it needs to be replaced.