Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine current methadone takeaway storage practice among patients receiving supervised methadone treatment and takeaway doses at community pharmacies.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2006 in Sydney, New South Wales. It addressed: safe storage of methadone takeaways; knowledge of risk of methadone ingestion by small children; and information provision from health care providers about the safe storage of methadone.

RESULTS:

Eighty-seven patients participated in the survey. The majority stored their methadone takeaways in a cupboard (48%) or secure cabinet (34%). All but one participant were aware of the risks of methadone ingestion by small children. Eighty-seven per cent had discussed safe storage of takeaways with a health professional.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most patients receiving methadone takeaways store them safely and are aware of the risk that methadone ingestion poses to children.

IMPLICATIONS:

Clinicians should ensure patients are adequately informed about safe takeaway storage and the risk of methadone ingestion by children.