TY - JOUR
T1 - Harm reduction program and methadone poisoning
T2 - Implications for pediatric public health in Malaysia
AU - Babar, Zaheer Ud Din
AU - Nur Rashidah Mohd Zaini, Rashidah Mohd Zaini
AU - Choon Wai Yee, Wai Yee
PY - 2006/10/1
Y1 - 2006/10/1
N2 - In Malaysia, because of an alarming increase in the number of intravenous drug users, the government has started a harm reduction program in which methadone is used as a drug substitution therapy. This article discusses a 19-month-old Malay girl who was brought to the hospital after an episode of accidental ingestion of methadone. The methadone was for her uncle, who was found to be an intravenous drug user. Although methadone has been proven to be cost-effective and useful, it has also been reported that increasing availability of methadone can put children at increased risk of accidental ingestion. In Malaysia, methadone is available at government as well as private medical clinics. Home consumption may be problematic as the drug may be dispensed without adequate patient education and clear instructions on its handling, storage, and indication of use. In this scenario, a greater emphasis on and the adaptation of clear guidelines on the use and storage of methadone are required. There is also a need to create awareness among the public as well as health care professionals regarding the issue.
AB - In Malaysia, because of an alarming increase in the number of intravenous drug users, the government has started a harm reduction program in which methadone is used as a drug substitution therapy. This article discusses a 19-month-old Malay girl who was brought to the hospital after an episode of accidental ingestion of methadone. The methadone was for her uncle, who was found to be an intravenous drug user. Although methadone has been proven to be cost-effective and useful, it has also been reported that increasing availability of methadone can put children at increased risk of accidental ingestion. In Malaysia, methadone is available at government as well as private medical clinics. Home consumption may be problematic as the drug may be dispensed without adequate patient education and clear instructions on its handling, storage, and indication of use. In this scenario, a greater emphasis on and the adaptation of clear guidelines on the use and storage of methadone are required. There is also a need to create awareness among the public as well as health care professionals regarding the issue.
KW - Harm reduction program
KW - Malaysia
KW - Methadone
KW - Pediatric
KW - Poisoning
KW - Public health
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=34248140569&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0897190006295801
DO - 10.1177/0897190006295801
M3 - Short survey
VL - 19
SP - 280
EP - 281
JO - Journal of Pharmacy Practice
JF - Journal of Pharmacy Practice
SN - 0897-1900
IS - 5
ER -