Study questions drug for alcohol cravings

The prescription drug nalmefene, recently licensed in Australia for problem drinkers, doesn't reduce alcohol harms after six months, says new research.

The analysis showed that nalmefene, also known as selincro, was no different to a placebo for mortality, quality of life and mental health outcomes.

People taking the drug did have fewer heavy drinking days and their total alcohol consumption was lower.

But further analyses suggested the differences may have been caused in part by people leaving the studies early.

The French study, published in PLOS Medicine, involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials evaluating nalmefene to treat adult alcohol dependence.

"The value of nalmefene for treatment of alcohol addiction is not established," said the authors of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes analysis.

"At best, nalmefene has limited efficacy in reducing alcohol consumption."

Nalmefene, a recent option in alcohol dependence treatment, blocks the body's opioid receptors and reduces the craving for alcohol.

The authors said the drug has mixed recommendations from health agencies and expert bodies for use in the treatment of alcohol dependence.

They say more trials are needed, including comparisons with another medication, naltrexone.

"This review calls into question the decisions of some of the regulatory and advisory bodies that have approved nalmefene on the basis of this (current) evidence," they said.

"Clinicians must be aware that the value of nalmefene for the treatment of alcohol addiction is not established."