Supportive Management for Heart Failure and Methamphetamine Addiction
(Meth-HF Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new clinical approach for individuals with heart failure (HF) who also struggle with methamphetamine use. It aims to improve health by combining heart care led by a heart specialist with addiction support (Methamphetamine Use Disorder Support) led by an addiction expert. The main goal is to help participants stop using methamphetamine, improve heart medication adherence, and enhance their quality of life over six months. Suitable candidates for this trial have heart failure, a history of methamphetamine use, and a desire to quit. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore a novel approach to improving both heart health and addiction recovery.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it focuses on optimizing heart failure medications, so you may need to adjust your treatment under the guidance of the trial's medical team.
What prior data suggests that this integrated clinic model is safe for patients with heart failure and methamphetamine use disorder?
Research has shown that treating heart failure (HF) in individuals who use methamphetamine is complicated because the drug exacerbates the condition. Methamphetamine use can double the risk of death or hospitalization for those with HF. However, addressing both HF treatment and methamphetamine addiction can lead to better health outcomes.
Specific safety data for this combined treatment approach is not yet available. The trial is in an early stage, so limited safety information exists. The plan includes standard HF care and counseling for methamphetamine use, both generally safe in other contexts. This approach could improve care without adding significant safety risks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it integrates methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) management directly into a heart failure (HF) clinic setting. Unlike the standard approach, which treats heart failure and methamphetamine addiction separately, this method offers a combined care model. By addressing both conditions simultaneously, it hopes to improve patient outcomes more effectively than treating each condition in isolation. This multidisciplinary approach is promising because it can provide comprehensive care tailored to the patient's unique needs, potentially leading to better adherence and health improvements.
What evidence suggests that this integrated clinic model is effective for heart failure and methamphetamine use disorder?
Research has shown that heart problems caused by methamphetamine use are very serious and can lead to more hospital visits and higher death rates. Studies indicate that stopping meth use can help improve heart problems in some people if they also take their heart medications regularly. In this trial, participants will attend a multidisciplinary heart failure clinic where both heart issues and methamphetamine use are addressed together. Early findings suggest that combining heart care with support for meth addiction, such as counseling and rewards for staying drug-free, can improve patients' heart health and quality of life. This combined care aims to make it easier for patients to follow their treatments and avoid meth, potentially leading to better health outcomes.23678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Tien Ng, PharmD
Principal Investigator
University of Southern California, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with heart failure (HF) who also struggle with methamphetamine addiction. It aims to help patients abstain from drug use and manage their HF by taking all necessary medications regularly.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive integrated care for heart failure and methamphetamine use disorder, including counseling and incentivized abstinence, over 6 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Methamphetamine Use Disorder Support
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Southern California
Lead Sponsor
Los Angeles General Medical Center
Collaborator