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The Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction among Male Patients on Methadone and Buprenorphine Treatments: A Meta-Analysis Study

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Huai Seng Loh

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Abstract

IntroductionFor many years, methadone has been recognized as an effective maintenance treatment for opioid dependence. However, of the many adverse events reported, sexual dysfunction is one of the most common side effects.AimWe conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among male patients on methadone and buprenorphine treatments.MethodsRelevant studies published from inception until December 2012 were identified by searching PubMed, OVID, and Embase. Studies were selected using prior defined criteria. Heterogeneity, publication bias, and odds ratio were assessed thoroughly.Main Outcome MeasuresTo examine the prevalence and odds ratio of sexual dysfunctions among the methadone and buprenorphine groups.ResultsA total of 1,570 participants from 16 eligible studies were identified in this meta-analysis. The studies provided prevalence estimates for sexual dysfunction among methadone users with a meta-analytical pooled prevalence of 52% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.65). Only four studies compared sexual dysfunction between the two groups, with a significantly higher combined odds ratio in the methadone group (OR=4.01, 95% CI, 1.52-10.55, P=0.0049).ConclusionsEvidence showed that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was higher among the users of methadone compared with buprenorphine. Patients with sexual difficulty while on methadone treatment were advised to switch to buprenorphine.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Yee A, Loh HS, Hashim HMBH, Ng CG

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Sexual Medicine

Year: 2014

Volume: 11

Issue: 1

Pages: 22-32

Print publication date: 01/01/2014

Online publication date: 28/10/2013

ISSN (print): 1743-6095

ISSN (electronic): 1743-6109

Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12352

DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12352


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