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Nalmefene: a guide to its use in alcohol dependence

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Abstract

The opioid system modulator nalmefene (Selincro®) is the first pharmacological therapy to be approved in the EU to reduce alcohol consumption in adults with alcohol dependence and a high drinking risk level. In the target population (i.e. alcohol-dependent patients with at least a high drinking risk level at screening and randomization), as-needed oral nalmefene 18 mg reduced both the number of heavy drinking days and total alcohol consumption to a significantly greater extent than placebo at 6 and 13 months. Oral nalmefene was generally well tolerated in patients with alcohol dependence. Thus, as-needed nalmefene provides an important new option for use in the treatment of alcohol dependence.

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Acknowledgement

The manuscript was reviewed by: A. Gual, Psychiatry Department, Neurosciences Institute, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; S. Saluja, Saran Ashram, Agra, India.

Disclosure

This article was adapted from CNS Drugs 2013;27(9):761–72 [6]. The preparation of these reviews was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the article. Changes resulting from comments received were made by the author on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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  1. Adis, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    Gillian M. Keating

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  1. Gillian M. Keating
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Correspondence to Gillian M. Keating.

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Keating, G.M. Nalmefene: a guide to its use in alcohol dependence. Drugs Ther Perspect 30, 10–15 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-013-0093-1

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