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The brand medication Lucemyra can be a useful supplemental medication in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD).[1]
The FDA approved the use of Lucemyra in May 2018.[2] Its indicated use is to mitigate the symptoms of opioid withdrawal to facilitate abrupt discontinuation of opioids in adults.[1]
What Is Lucemyra?
Lucemyra is the brand name for lofexidine oral tablets. It is considered an adjunctive medication to help mitigate some of the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Lofexidine (Lucemyra) is neither an opioid agonist nor an opioid antagonist. Lofexidine is only a short-term medication that is prescribed for a maximum of 14 days. While Lucemyra treats opioid withdrawal symptoms, it does not treat opioid use disorder long term. This is a crucial distinction between lofexidine (Lucemyra) and FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, which currently include Suboxone, Methadone, and Naltrexone. To better understand this difference, it is important to understand how Lucemyra works.
How Does Lucemyra Work?
Lofexidine is a non-opioid, oral, central alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist. It is similar to Clonidine or other medications that can help temporarily reduce the unpleasant side effects of opioid withdrawal, including: [3]
- Body aches and pains
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle spasms and twitching
- Insomnia and problems sleeping
- Chills
- Muscular tension
- Pounding heart
- Runny eyes
- Yawning
Lofexidine (Lucemyra) relieves some of these symptoms by slowing the release of norepinephrine and restoring the brain’s chemical balance. Lofexidine does not completely treat the symptoms of withdrawal, but it does help to alleviate some of the discomfort of many of these symptoms.
Who Is a Candidate for Lucemyra?
Any adult who has suddenly stopped taking opioids may be a candidate for Lucemyra. It can help to relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms.
If you fit this description, talk to your doctor to determine if Lucemyra is right for you.
When & How to Take Lucemyra
Typically, withdrawal symptoms are most severe in the first 5 to 7 days following the last use of opioids.[1] It is during this time period that patients begin Lucemyra. Because the symptoms of withdrawal do not typically last longer than 14 days, Lucemyra should only be taken up to 14 days.[1]
Again, Lucemyra does not treat OUD. It only treats the uncomfortable symptoms of opioid withdrawal short term. It is recommended that lofexidine be prescribed as part of a long-term treatment plan involving a maintenance medication such as buprenorphine/naltrexone (Suboxone).
Lucemyra Side Effects
Lucemyra does have the potential to cause serious side effects in some patients. These can include the following:
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Dehydration
If you experience any of these side effects, call your doctor immediately.
Other Medications for OUD
Medications for opioid use disorder are critical tools for individuals struggling with opioids. Research has repeatedly shown the efficacy of this pharmacological component in treatment.
To date, three medications are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid use disorder (OUD): methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.[4,5,6,7]
All brand-name MOUD prescriptions include one, or a combination, of these three medications. Common MAT brand names include Belbuca, Suboxone, naltrexone (Vivitrol), Sublocade, and Zubsolv.
MOUDs like buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) can be used temporarily or as long-term maintenance medications to prevent opioid relapse. Patients on long-term MOUD treatment plans have significantly lower rates of relapse.[8] The long-term use of MOUDs is safe, effective, and evidence-based.
The Bottom Line
If you have to suddenly stop taking opioids, whether you have been legitimately taking them with a valid prescription or misusing them, Lucemyra may help to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms. Regardless, the gold standard medications for OUD and withdrawal are still the three aforementioned FDA approved medications Suboxone, Methadone and Naltrexone.
Talk to your doctor about how Lucemyra could potentially help your withdrawal process and support your recovery. They can determine whether it’s a good choice for you or if another medication or therapy may work better.
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