03 December 2004

Skin rash investigation underway

NSW public health experts are investigating the outbreak of a skin rash appearing amongst some clients on the methadone program.

The rash is non-life threatening and not long term with symptoms experienced by many clients subsiding over several days, but longer in some clients.

An alert to clients of the program, pharmacists and clinic staff was distributed last month to ensure people are aware of what to look for and what action to take if affected.

Dr Denise Robinson, NSW Health’s Acting Chief Health Officer said the rash first appeared eight weeks ago and has been monitored closely by health experts to measure the extent of the outbreak, as well as variables that might link the cases.

“The number of new cases peaked in mid to late October, and seem to have been tailing off since then,” Dr Robinson said.

“Findings indicate that the rash is not infectious. The rash may initially affect various parts of the body but is then followed by peeling of the hands and feet. People with the rash describe it as red and itchy but not painful.

“Anyone on the methadone program who experiences such a rash should consult their prescriber for appropriate treatment of their symptoms.

NSW Health is currently investigating the outbreak in cooperation with the other states and territories. In NSW there have been 346 cases among clients (about 3 per cent of the population that uses methadone) with a small number of possible reports from other states being examined.

Dr Robinson confirmed that upon initial receipt of first reports, the methadone used at the time was tested and found to meet all specifications. No contaminants were identified.

Despite no conclusive evidence on the cause of the rash, as a precaution, certain batches of the product available at the time that the outbreak began were withheld pending further study.

New batches were distributed and subsequently, the outbreak appears to have subsided.

NSW Health is conducting a series of epidemiological and other studies to look for the possible cause of the outbreak. These include questions about a variety of risk factors to which patients may have been exposed.

Dr Robinson said that the available evidence indicates that the rash goes away in many clients regardless of whether or not they continue on their methadone treatment.

“The advice from experts is for clients to continue with their current treatment,” she said.

Methadone treatment has been operating in NSW since 1969. This treatment continues to be critically important to people with drug dependence.

Research has proven the effectiveness of methadone maintenance and its cost effectiveness in the treatment of opioid dependence. Its benefits extend to the wider community in the form of reduced drug related crime, improved social functioning and reduction in illicit drug use.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au