Although methadone has long been the standard of care for the treatment of opioid use disorder in Canada, there is growing consensus that the superior safety profile of buprenorphine/naloxone, as well as other comparative advantages, supports its use as a first-line therapy for opioid use disorder. The OPTIMA trial aims to evaluate these two treatment options within a Canadian practice‐based framework, generating evidence that is directly relevant to a recognized national priority in public health. The effectiveness of the two treatments in reducing opioid use will be compared in a 6-month, open-label, multi-site pragmatic randomized trial involving over 250 participants recruited from all four CRISM Nodes. The evidence generated from this study will be used to inform patient care and improve overall health outcomes.

Check out this infographic about the OPTIMA study: OPTIMA Overview 

This study is currently recruiting Alberta participants in Edmonton and Calgary.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Persons who have a substance use disorder and who use prescription opioid medication;
  • Be aged between 18 and 64 years of age inclusively;
  • Not on agonist therapy at the moment (methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone); and
  • Interested in beginning a treatment.

 How to get involved?

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