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Bested K, Jensen LM, Andresen T, Tarp G, Skovbjerg L, Johansen TS, Schmedes AV, Storgaard IK, Madsen JS, Werner MU, Bendiksen A. Low-dose naltrexone for treatment of pain in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Pain Rep 2023; 8:e1080. [PMID: 38226027 PMCID: PMC10789452 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic fluctuating, nociplastic pain condition. Naltrexone is a µ-opioid-receptor antagonist; preliminary studies have indicated a pain-relieving effect of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) in patients with FM. The impetus for studying LDN is the assumption of analgesic efficacy and thus reduction of adverse effects seen from conventional pharmacotherapy. Objectives First, to examine if LDN is associated with analgesic efficacy compared with control in the treatment of patients with FM. Second, to ascertain the analgesic efficacy of LDN in an experimental pain model in patients with FM evaluating the competence of the descending inhibitory pathways compared with controls. Third, to examine the pharmacokinetics of LDN. Methods The study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design and had a 3-phase setup. The first phase included baseline assessment and a treatment period (days -3 to 21), the second phase a washout period (days 22-32), and the third phase a baseline assessment followed by a treatment period (days 33-56). Treatment was with either LDN 4.5 mg or an inactive placebo given orally once daily. The primary outcomes were Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire revised (FIQR) scores and summed pain intensity ratings (SPIR). Results Fifty-eight patients with FM were randomized. The median difference (IQR) for FIQR scores between LDN and placebo treatment was -1.65 (18.55; effect size = 0.15; P = 0.3). The median difference for SPIR scores was -0.33 (6.33; effect size = 0.13; P = 0.4). Conclusion Outcome data did not indicate any clinically relevant analgesic efficacy of the LDN treatment in patients with FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Bested
- Multidisciplinary Pain Clinic, Friklinikken, Grindsted, Denmark
| | - Lotte M. Jensen
- Multidisciplinary Pain Clinic, Friklinikken, Grindsted, Denmark
| | - Trine Andresen
- Molecular Diagnostics and Clinical Research Unit, Hospital Sonderjylland, Aabendraa, Denmark
| | - Grete Tarp
- Multidisciplinary Pain Clinic, Friklinikken, Grindsted, Denmark
| | - Louise Skovbjerg
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Neuroscience Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Anne V. Schmedes
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Ida K. Storgaard
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonna S. Madsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mads U. Werner
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Neuroscience Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Raknes G, Småbrekke L. No change in the consumption of thyroid hormones after starting low dose naltrexone (LDN): a quasi-experimental before-after study. BMC Endocr Disord 2020; 20:151. [PMID: 33004044 PMCID: PMC7528597 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-020-00630-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is reported to have beneficial effects in several autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine whether starting LDN was followed by changes in the dispensing of thyroid hormones to patients with hypothyroidism. METHODS We performed a quasi-experimental before-after study based on the Norwegian Prescription Database. Study participants were identified by using reimbursement codes for hypothyroidism. Cumulative dispensed Defined Daily Doses and the number of users of triiodothyronine (T3) and levothyroxine (LT4) 1 year before and after the first LDN prescription was compared in three groups based on LDN exposure. RESULTS We identified 898 patients that met the inclusion criteria. There was no association between starting LDN and the subsequent dispensing of thyroid hormones. If anything, there was a tendency towards increasing LT4 consumption with increasing LDN exposure. CONCLUSION The results of this study do not support claims of efficacy of LDN in hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guttorm Raknes
- Regional Medicines Information and Pharmacovigilance Centre (RELIS), University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Raknes Research, Ulset, Norway
| | - Lars Småbrekke
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The arctic university of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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Abstract
This paper is the fortieth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2017 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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Xu N, Wang Y, Zhao S, Jiao T, Xue H, Shan F, Zhang N. Naltrexone (NTX) relieves inflammation in the collagen-induced- arthritis (CIA) rat models through regulating TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 79:106056. [PMID: 31865244 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.106056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to study the efficacy and mechanism by which NTX alleviate arthritis in CIA rat models in vivo. METHODS Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, their weights were observed and the severity of arthritis and pathological changes were evaluated by HE staining. T lymphocyte subsets were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of cytokines was detected in peripheral serum by ELISA. Real time PCR, immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis were utilized to detect the mRNA and protein expression of opioid receptors, TLR4, RANKL and /NF-κB in synovial tissue and the spleen. RESULTS The weight of the rats in the 10 mg/kg NTX group decreased the least, and had the least severe arthritis. CD4+ T cells, Th1 cells and Treg cells increased, and CD8+T cells, Th1 cells and Th17 cells decreased in the splenic lymphocytes. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines decreased, and the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines increased. MOR and DOR were strongly expressed in the spleen, whereas KOR and DOR were strongly expressed in synovial tissue. The expression of TLR4, NF-κB and RANKL was reduced in the spleen and synovium in the NTX group. CONCLUSIONS NTX relieved the severity of arthritis in the CIA rat models at a concentration of 10 mg/kg by regulating T lymphocyte subsets and the expression of cytokines. NTX affected opioid receptors to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, regulating the systemic immune response and decreasing osteoclast differentiation, thereby alleviating inflammation and the erosion of articular cartilage along with bone tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neili Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Yuejiao Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Ting Jiao
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Hongxia Xue
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China.
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Changes in the consumption of antiepileptics and psychotropic medicines after starting low dose naltrexone: A nation-wide register-based controlled before-after study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15085. [PMID: 31636347 PMCID: PMC6803623 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51569-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In this controlled before-after study based on data from the Norwegian Prescription Database, we examine whether starting off-label use of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is followed by changes in the consumption of psychotropic medicines including antiepileptics. Patients that collected LDN for the first time in 2013 (N = 11247) were included and stratified into three groups based on LDN exposure. We compared differences in means of cumulative number of defined daily doses (DDD) as well as changes in the number of users one year before and one year after starting LDN. There was a dose-response association between increasing LDN exposure and reductions in the number of users of antiepileptics, antipsychotics and antidepressants. There were significant difference-in-differences in DDDs between the groups with the lowest and highest LDN exposure of antipsychotics (1.4 DDD, 95% CI 0.4 to 2.3, p = 0.007), and in number of users of antiepileptics (3.1% points, 95% CI 1.6% to 4.6%, p < 0.001), antipsychotics (2.1% points, 95% CI 1.2% to 3%, p < 0.001), and antidepressants (2.8% points, 95% CI 1.1% to 4.4%, p = 0.001). The findings show an association between the initiation of persistent LDN use and reduced consumption of several psychotropic medicines and antiepileptics. Beneficial effects of LDN in the treatment of psychiatric diseases cannot be ruled out.
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Komla E, Stevens DL, Zheng Y, Zhang Y, Dewey WL, Akbarali HI. Experimental Colitis Enhances the Rate of Antinociceptive Tolerance to Morphine via Peripheral Opioid Receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 370:504-513. [PMID: 31248978 PMCID: PMC6806632 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.256941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are highly effective analgesics, however, their therapeutic use is limited by adverse effects that include respiratory depression, dependence, and tolerance. Inflammation has been implicated as a significant driver for the development of tolerance to opioids. Recent studies show that chronic morphine in mice results in gut microbial dysbiosis and inflammation in the colon. In the present study, we examined whether colonic inflammation results in tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of morphine. Colonic inflammation was induced in mice by intrarectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitro-benzene sulfonic acid. The development of antinociceptive tolerance was determined by warm-water tail-immersion assay in mice implanted with 25-, 50-, or 75-mg morphine pellet. Colonic inflammation significantly enhanced the rate at which tolerance developed in each cohort of chronic morphine-treated mice. At the lowest dose of morphine pellet (25 mg), antinociceptive tolerance only developed in the presence of colonic inflammation, whereas in 50- and 75-mg pelleted mice, tolerance developed faster in the inflamed animals than in the noninflamed mice. The enhanced antinociceptive tolerance was attenuated with daily administration of peripheral opioid receptor antagonist, 6β-N-heterocyclic-substituted naltrexamine derivative [17-cyclopropylmethyl-3,14β-dihydroxy-4,5α-epoxy-6β-[(4'pyridyl)acetamido]morphinan (NAP)], irrespective of colonic inflammation. Collectively, these findings show that the rate of tolerance to morphine antinociception is exaggerated in the presence of colonic inflammation, and tolerance is prevented by a peripheral μ-opioid receptor antagonist. These studies suggest a peripheral component to the development of antinociceptive tolerance to opioids. Furthermore, peripherally selective opioid antagonists may be useful adjuncts in opioid-based pain management. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study supports the notion that inflammation influences the development of antinociceptive tolerance to chronic morphine exposure. We found that, in the presence of colonic inflammation, the rate of development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of morphine increased. We also found that treatment with a peripheral opioid receptor antagonist prevented morphine antinociceptive tolerance. Increasing opioid intake during an inflammatory state would result in decreased analgesia and enhanced analgesic tolerance, which puts patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, inflammatory joint diseases, and sickle cell anemia at risk for heavy opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essie Komla
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.K., D.L.S., W.L.D., H.I.A.) and Medicinal Chemistry (Y.Zhe., Y.Zha.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - David L Stevens
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.K., D.L.S., W.L.D., H.I.A.) and Medicinal Chemistry (Y.Zhe., Y.Zha.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Yi Zheng
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.K., D.L.S., W.L.D., H.I.A.) and Medicinal Chemistry (Y.Zhe., Y.Zha.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Yan Zhang
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.K., D.L.S., W.L.D., H.I.A.) and Medicinal Chemistry (Y.Zhe., Y.Zha.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - William L Dewey
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.K., D.L.S., W.L.D., H.I.A.) and Medicinal Chemistry (Y.Zhe., Y.Zha.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Hamid I Akbarali
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.K., D.L.S., W.L.D., H.I.A.) and Medicinal Chemistry (Y.Zhe., Y.Zha.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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Effect of Naltrexone Hydrochloride on Cytochrome P450 1A2, 2C9, 2D6, and 3A4 Activity in Human Liver Microsomes. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2019; 43:707-713. [PMID: 29744741 DOI: 10.1007/s13318-018-0482-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, 2C9, 2D6, and 3A4 are the most important phase I drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver, but there is a dearth of literature available on the effects of naltrexone hydrochloride on these major enzymes present in the human liver. Thus, in the present study, the effect of naltrexone hydrochloride on the activity of CYP1A2, 2C9, 2D6, and 3A4 using human liver microsomes (HLM) was investigated. METHODS A selective probe for CYP1A2, 2C9, 2D6, and 3A4 was incubated with HLM with or without naltrexone hydrochloride. Phenacetin O-deethylation, tolbutamide 4-hydroxylation, dextromethorphan O-demethylation, and testosterone 6β-hydroxylation reactions were monitored for enzyme activity. RESULTS The activity of all the studied CYP enzymes except 1A2 was significantly inhibited by naltrexone hydrochloride 1 µM. Furthermore, 1 µM naltrexone hydrochloride inhibited CYP3A4 enzyme activity, the most by 37.9% followed by CYP2C9 (36.5%) and CYP2D6 (31.8%). The CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 metabolic activities were greatly affected by naltrexone hydrochloride, which even at the lowest concentration of naltrexone hydrochloride (0.01 µM) significantly decreased the metabolic activity by 34.9 and 16.0%, respectively. The half maximal inhibition concentration (IC50) values for CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 inhibition were 3.40 ± 1.78 and 5.92 ± 1.58 µM, respectively. CONCLUSION These outcomes advocate that there is a great possibility of drug interactions resulting from the concurrent administration of naltrexone hydrochloride with actives that are metabolized by these CYP enzymes, particularly CYP2C9 and CYP2D6. Nevertheless, further clarification is needed through detailed in vivo pharmacokinetic studies.
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Low dose naltrexone: Effects on medication in rheumatoid and seropositive arthritis. A nationwide register-based controlled quasi-experimental before-after study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212460. [PMID: 30763385 PMCID: PMC6375629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, low dose naltrexone (LDN) has been used as an off-label therapy for several chronic diseases. Results from small laboratory and clinical studies indicate some beneficial effects of LDN in autoimmune diseases, but clinical research on LDN in rheumatic disease is limited. Using a pharmacoepidemiological approach, we wanted to test the hypothesis that starting LDN leads to reduced dispensing of medicines used in the treatment of rheumatic disease. We performed a controlled before-after study based on the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD) to compare prescriptions to patients one year before and one year after starting LDN in 2013. The identified patients (n = 360) were stratified into three groups based on LDN exposure. Outcomes were differences in dispensing of medicines used in rheumatic disease. In persistent LDN users, there was a 13% relative reduction in cumulative defined daily doses (DDD) of all medicines examined corresponding to -73.3 DDD per patient (95% CI -120,2 to -26.4, p = 0.003), and 23% reduction of analgesics (-21.6 DDD (95% CI -35.5 to -7.6, p<0.009)). There was no significant DDD change in patients with lower LDN exposure. Persistent LDN users had significantly reduced DDDs of NSAID and opioids, and a lower proportion of users of DMARDs (-6.7 percentage points, 95% CI -12.3 to-1.0, p = 0.028), TNF-α antagonists and opioids. There was a decrease in the number of NSAID users among patients with the least LDN exposure. Important limitations are that prescription data are proxies for clinical effects and that a control group unexposed to LDN is lacking. The results support the hypothesis that persistent use of LDN reduces the need for medication used in the treatment of rheumatic and seropositive arthritis. Randomised clinical trials on LDN in rheumatic disease are warranted.
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Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ. Intermittent blockade of OGFr and treatment of autoimmune disorders. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2018; 243:1323-1330. [PMID: 30541348 PMCID: PMC6348594 DOI: 10.1177/1535370218817746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT This mini-review presents information on the intermittent blockade of the opioid growth factor (OGF)-OGF receptor (OGFr) axis by low-dose naltrexone (LDN), and the role of enkephalin (i.e. OGF) in autoimmune disorders, specifically multiple sclerosis, Crohn's, and fibromyalgia. Clinical reports on subjects taking LDN have documented reduced fatigue, few side-effects, and improved overall health. Preclinical studies on mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of multiple sclerosis, revealed that immunization for EAE reduces serum OGF. Intermittent OGFr blockade with LDN restores serum enkephalin levels that correlate with reduced behavioral and pathological signs of EAE; LDN also increases enkephalin levels in naïve mice. The interplay between LDN, and the onset and treatment of autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, and other addictive behaviors requires further investigation, but highlights a central role for enkephalins and intermittent blockade of the OGF-OGFr pathway in pathogenesis and treatment of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian S Zagon
- Department of Neural & Behavioral Sciences, Penn
State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Patricia J McLaughlin
- Department of Neural & Behavioral Sciences, Penn
State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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Raknes G, Simonsen P, Småbrekke L. The Effect of Low-Dose Naltrexone on Medication in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Quasi Experimental Before-and-After Prescription Database Study. J Crohns Colitis 2018; 12:677-686. [PMID: 29385430 PMCID: PMC5972567 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjy008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Low-dose naltrexone [LDN] is a controversial off-label treatment used by many Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] patients. A small number of preliminary studies indicate that LDN might be beneficial in CD, but evidence is too scarce to demonstrate efficacy. We sought to examine whether initiation of LDN therapy by patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] was followed by changes in dispensing of relevant medication. METHODS We performed a quasi-experimental before-and-after study following a sudden increase in LDN use in the Norwegian population in 2013. IBD patients were identified from among all the patients who had at least one LDN prescription recorded in the Norwegian Prescription Database [NorPD] in 2013. Drug dispensing 2 years before and after the first LDN prescription was compared. RESULTS We identified 582 IBD patients who had received LDN. Of the 256 patients who became persistent LDN users, there were reductions in the number of users for [i] all examined drugs [-12%], [ii] intestinal anti-inflammatory agents [-17%], [iii] other immunosuppressants [-29%], [iv] intestinal corticosteroids [-32%] and [v] aminosalicylates [-17%]. In subgroups of identified CD and UC patients, there were significant reductions in the number of users of intestinal corticosteroids [CD: -44%, UC: -53%] and systemic corticosteroids [UC: -24%]. No significant differences in cumulative defined daily doses were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our findings imply that the initiation of LDN in IBD is followed by reduced dispensing of several drugs considered essential in the treatment of CD and UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guttorm Raknes
- Regional Medicines Information and Pharmacovigilance Centre [RELIS], University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway,Raknes Research, Ulset, Norway,Corresponding author: Guttorm Raknes, RELIS, Box 79, 9038 Tromsø, Norway. E-mail:
| | | | - Lars Småbrekke
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Raknes G, Småbrekke L. Low dose naltrexone in multiple sclerosis: Effects on medication use. A quasi-experimental study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187423. [PMID: 29099849 PMCID: PMC5669439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Low dose naltrexone (LDN) has become a popular off-label therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). A few small, randomized studies indicate that LDN may have beneficial effects in MS and other autoimmune diseases. If proven efficacious, it would be a cheap and safe alternative to the expensive treatments currently recommended for MS. We investigated whether a sudden increase in LDN use in Norway in 2013 was followed by changes in dispensing of other medications used to treat MS. We performed a quasi-experimental before–and–after study based on population data from the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD). We included all patients that collected at least one LDN prescription in 2013, and had collected at least two medications with a reimbursement code for MS, or collected a medication with MS as the only indication in 2009 or 2010. Outcomes were differences in cumulative dispensed doses and incidence of users of disease modifying MS therapies, and medications used to treat MS symptoms two years before and two years after dispensing the initial LDN prescription. The eligible 341 patients collected 20 921 prescriptions in the observation period. Apart from changes in line with general trends in MS therapy in Norway, there was no difference in neither dispensed cumulative doses or number of prevalent users of MS specific medication. Initiation of LDN was not followed by reductions of other medications used to treat symptoms associated with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guttorm Raknes
- Regional Medicines Information and Pharmacovigilance Centre (RELIS), University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Raknes Research, Ulset, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Lars Småbrekke
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Raknes G, Småbrekke L. Low-dose naltrexone and opioid consumption: a drug utilization cohort study based on data from the Norwegian prescription database. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2017; 26:685-693. [PMID: 28370746 PMCID: PMC5485080 DOI: 10.1002/pds.4201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is used in a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain and fibromyalgia. Because of the opioid antagonism of naltrexone, LDN users are probably often warned against concomitant use with opioids. In this study, based on data from the Norwegian prescription database, we examine changes in opioid consumption after starting LDN therapy. METHODS We included all Norwegian patients (N = 3775) with at least one recorded LDN prescription in 2013 and at least one dispensed opioid prescription during the 365 days preceding the first LDN prescription. We allocated the patients into three subgroups depending on the number of collected LDN prescriptions and recorded the number of defined daily doses (DDDs) on collected prescriptions on opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other analgesics and antipyretics from the same patients. RESULTS Among the patients collecting ≥4 LDN prescriptions, annual average opioid consumption was reduced by 41 DDDs per person (46%) compared with that of the previous year. The reduction was 12 DDDs per person (15%) among users collecting two to three prescriptions and no change among those collecting only one LDN prescription. We observed no increase in the number of DDDs in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other analgesics and antipyretics corresponding to the decrease in opioid use. CONCLUSIONS Possibly, LDN users avoided opioids because of warnings on concomitant use or the patients continuing on LDN were less opioid dependent than those terminating LDN. Therapeutic effects of LDN contributing to lower opioid consumption cannot be ruled out. © 2017 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guttorm Raknes
- Regional Medicines Information and Pharmacovigilance Centre (RELIS), University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, Uni Research Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Småbrekke
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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