We just helped a gentleman with a Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) to get off Opana® (oxymorphone). He was injecting about 40mg/day, often supplemented with oxycodone.

When a patient contacts The Coleman Institute for information about how to detox off Opana®, we usually add an extra day or so to the procedure. This is one tough drug to stop using. In fact, this is the opening line of an article I read this morning:

For the first time ever, the Food and Drug Administration has told a drug company to pull a painkiller off the market because it has such a high potential for abuse.

They are, of course, referring to Opana®. Here’s the link to the full article: http://nbcnews.to/2saKnw7

While we have helped a few chronic pain patients to get off Opana®, more frequently we are assisting patients who have been abusing it. Most recently they are crushing and injecting it. The first time I met a person struggling to get off this drug, they were snorting it. I’ll never forget looking into this woman’s left nostril and seeing a chunk of Opana® that had not dissolved over several months. (A quick trip to and Ear Nose Throat Specialist took care of that part of the problem.)


UNDERSTANDING ACCELERATED OPIOID DETOX


Patients appreciate our Outpatient Medically Assisted Treatment to get off Opana®. They like that they do not have to be hospitalized, their family member and/or friends can be with them the entire time. They appreciate that they will not have to be exposed to the potential dangers (and expense) of anesthesia. Patients who travel from out of state can stay in a comfortable hotel near our office and make brief daily trips to our office.

The process of removing the Opana® from the opiate receptors is done carefully and slowly, so the patient will be as comfortable as possible during his or her stay. We provide all the medications the patient will need not only during their stay, but also prescribe enough that they will have medications for their first several days upon returning home.

We are available 24/7 to the patients support people, should any questions or concerns arise.

Most patients are able to be completely free of Opana® in 4-5 days. At the completion of the Medically Assisted Treatment, they will receive a naltrexone implant which will curb their physical cravings.

We love our patients, and we love freeing them from Opana® addiction. Please call our office if you would like to know more about how we can help.

Joan Shepherd, FNP

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