Drug to treat alcoholism approved

Belgium has approved the use of nalmefene (trade name Selincro), a drug to reduce alcohol dependence, report Le Soir and Sudpresse. Selincro is only available by prescription. Its active ingredients do not prevent drunkenness, but they reduce the desire to drink.

The drug is mainly targeted at drinkers who are accustomed to consuming large amounts of alcohol, often at home on a daily basis. It is not intended for all persons who want to reduce their alcohol consumption, but specifically for those whose intake is considered high risk, meaning more than eight units per day for men, or six units per day for women. During treatment the patient should take the pill an hour or two before he foresees being at risk of excessive alcohol consumption.

In Belgium a box of 14 pills costs €58.12. After reimbursement one pill costs the patient just €1 (€0.70 for patients with a low income). The reimbursement is conditional, requiring the patient to also undergo counseling for his alcohol addiction.