Drug to treat alcohol addiction also helps with suppression of HIV

A medication commonly prescribed to treat alcohol use disorder also appears to help maintain or improve suppression of HIV among individuals at risk for a lapse in HIV treatment, Yale researchers said.

In a new study, a research team led by Dr. Sandra Springer conducted a placebo-controlled, randomized trial involving individuals incarcerated in Connecticut who had both HIV and alcohol use disorders. Upon release, the 100 study participants were given either extended-release naltrexone—an FDA-approved drug that treats alcohol addiction—or a placebo. The researchers followed the individuals for six months from the time of release.

At the end of the study period, the research team found that the study participants taking extended-release naltrexone were more likely to have either maintained or improved suppression of HIV.

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