INJECTABLE BUPRENORPHINE MICROPARTICLE COMPOSITIONS AND THEIR USE

摘要

An injectable slow-release partial opioid agonist or opioid antagonist formulation is provided comprising a partial opioid agonist or opioid antagonist in a poly(D,L-lactide) excipient with a small amount of residual ethyl acetate. Upon intramuscular injection of the composition, a partial opioid agonist or opioid antagonist is released in a controlled manner over an extended period of time. The composition finds use in the treatment of heroi n addicts and alcoholics to reduce consumption of the abused substances. Of particular interest are the drugs buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone.