Campral (Acamprosate Calcium) Appears Safe, Well-Tolerated in Long-Term Treatment of Alcohol Dependence

Forest Laboratories announced results of two analyses of several studies demonstrating that Campral® (acamprosate calcium) Delayed-Release Tablets is safe and well-tolerated in the long-term treatment of alcohol dependence. The report(1), which was presented at the 36th Annual Medical-Scientific Conference of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), found Campral to be safe and well tolerated in studies up to one year, even in patients taking other drugs such as antidepressants and analgesics.(1)

"These data are important because they show that Campral is safe for alcohol-dependent patients and even in those who may be taking other medications," said investigator Richard N. Rosenthal, MD, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. "Unlike older treatments for alcohol dependence, Campral is not metabolized through the liver. Its favorable long-term safety profile makes it an attractive new option to help reduce relapse in patients committed to staying abstinent from alcohol."

The abstract "Acamprosate is Safe and Well-Tolerated in the Long-Term Treatment of Alcohol Dependence" received this year's ASAM Medical-Scientific Program Committee Award for having the highest rating for scientific merit. The ASAM Conference Program Committee reviewers grant this award to one abstract each year. The award is based on the presentation of new ideas or findings of importance to the field of addiction medicine, the methodology used and clarity of presentation.

About Campral

Campral (acamprosate calcium) Delayed-Release Tablets are FDA-approved for the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation.(2) Treatment with Campral should be part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support.(2) In clinical trials, patients taking Campral demonstrated a higher rate of complete abstinence, longer time to first drink, and greater percent days abstinent than those taking placebo.(1) The mechanism of action of Campral in maintenance of alcohol abstinence is not completely understood. It is believed to restore the normal chemical balance in the brain, which is disrupted by chronic heavy drinking.(2)