Heroin addicts being treated with alternative to methadone 

The HSE wants to expand the use of Buvidal — a newer form of buprenorphine that can be administered more easily than methadone

Buvidal can be taken daily, by absorption in the mouth, or  injection.

More than 180 people with a heroin addiction are being treated with buprenorphine — an alternative to methadone — in the south-west and mid-west, figures show.

HSE Addiction Service announced last week that it wants to expand the use of Buvidal — a newer form of buprenorphine that can be administered far less often, and more easily, than methadone.

Buvidal can be taken daily, by absorption in the mouth, or can be injected on a weekly and even monthly basis. This is done at the HSE addiction treatment clinic.

Methadone, by contrast, is consumed daily. It is prescribed at the clinic and is consumed under supervision. Clients typically get six days of take-away methadone from pharmacies.

HSE experts said this process takes up a lot of staff time and resources, with the additional problem of methadone being leaked onto the market or stored at home, with the potential that other people, including children, might consume it.

Currently, only HSE addiction clinics can prescribe Buvidal, but the HSE has been engaged in protracted discussions with the Department of Health about extending prescription to the community sector, to GPs and pharmacies.

The Department of Health provided additional funding of €750,000 in Budget 2026 with the aim of expanding Buvidal treatment for a further 200 people.

HSE Mid West told the Irish Examiner that its addiction service has 33 clients treated with Buvidal, accounting for 14% of its 237 clients in total.

HSE South West said its addiction services have been providing buprenorphine — both Buvidal and, another version, Zubsolv (taken orally) treatment for several years.

It said the number of people receiving this medication has “grown steadily” across Cork and Kerry:

• In January 2024, more than 100 people were receiving buprenorphine;
• In January 2025, that figure rose to over 120 people;
• By January 2026, more than 150 people were receiving the treatment.

The Irish Prison Service said Buvidal is currently available in all closed prisons.

“Any prisoner entering custody with a prescription for Buvidal can expect to be continued on this medication while in prison," it said. "The IPS also has a protocol to enable suitable prisoners to transfer to Buvidal.” 

But it added: “An important consideration is ensuring appropriate continuity of care on release. For this reason, initiation is generally only considered when there is appropriate linkage with community addiction services to support ongoing treatment upon release.”