Pre-Conference Breakfast Workshop | Pharmacist Administration of Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB) in South Australia
| Saturday, March 28, 2026 |
| 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM |
| Sir Charles Todd Ballroom 1 |
| Sponsored By: |
Overview
Gary Altobelli | Community Pharmacy Program Manager - Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia
Details
Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) is recommended for opioid dependence, due to an improved safety profile, simpler regimen and greater convenience and accessibility for patients with pharmacist administration of LAIB. This session will explore how to operate and set up this service, ensuring appropriate links are built with relevant prescribers of opioid treatment. We will also discuss appropriate communication methods with patients who are opioid dependant as well as providing a hand's on practical administration workshop, stepping through any differences between the available products.
Learning Objectives:
1. Explain how to set up and operate an LAIB administration service.
2. Describe appropriate communication methods with people who are opioid dependent
3. Discuss correct administration technique of LAIB
Competency Standards (2016): 1.3, 2.3, 3.2.
Speaker
Gary Altobelli
Community Pharmacy Program Manager
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia
Pre-Conference Breakfast Workshop | Pharmacist Administration of Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB) in South Australia
Biography
Gary Altobelli is a pharmacist with over 20 years’ experience in the both the private and public health sectors. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of South Australia in 2003 he has held a range of positions in both community pharmacy and public hospitals. He currently works for SA Pharmacy at Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) as the Community Pharmacy Program Manager where his primary role is to provide education, training, and support to South Australian community pharmacists participating in the Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD) program. Gary is passionate about harm minimisation initiatives, improving health outcomes for clients, and the wellbeing of his fellow pharmacists.
Lisa Papadoulis
Lived Experience Panellist
Building a LAIB service
Biography
Michael Wallace
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia
Building a LAIB service
Biography
