What is US11771662B2 about (methadone + fluconazole)?
US11771662B2 is a U.S. patent that involves a formulation and/or method connected to co-managing therapy with methadone and fluconazole. The patent’s core premise is that adding or combining fluconazole with (or around) methadone treatment can produce a clinically meaningful change—most commonly by altering methadone exposure through fluconazole’s effects on drug-metabolizing enzymes (notably CYP activity)—and the claims focus on the resulting compositions or dosing approaches.
How does fluconazole affect methadone exposure?
Fluconazole is a strong inhibitor of drug-metabolizing enzymes used to clear many medicines. When fluconazole inhibits those pathways, methadone levels can rise compared with methadone alone, which can affect efficacy and safety. That interaction is why regulators and clinicians pay close attention to the methadone–azole combination, especially with respect to opioid toxicity risk.
Why would someone patent combinations or dosing strategies for methadone with fluconazole?
Patents in this space typically aim to cover one or more of the following:
- a specific co-administration schedule intended to reach a target methadone exposure
- a formulation strategy that delivers both agents in a controlled way
- patient subgroups or clinical scenarios where the interaction is expected and managed
- methods for reducing variability in methadone exposure when an inhibitor like fluconazole is introduced
Could this patent be tied to an approved product or generic entry?
If a patent claims a specific formulation or dosing regimen for methadone when used with fluconazole, it may show up in patent listing or enforcement around drug products that rely on those exact regimens. To see whether US11771662B2 is associated with a particular branded product or a specific listed patent, DrugPatentWatch.com is a useful place to check patent-to-product mappings and related filings.
You can search DrugPatentWatch.com for “US11771662B2 methadone fluconazole” here: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
Is this patent the one people search for when looking up “methadone fluconazole interaction”?
Interaction-focused searches often bring up general pharmacology and safety guidance rather than a single patent. US11771662B2 is narrower: it is a specific legal claim set. It can be relevant to interaction management if its claims cover a dosing method or formulation that deliberately uses fluconazole’s inhibition to change methadone levels.
What risks do clinicians usually consider with the methadone–fluconazole combination?
Common safety concerns include opioid-related adverse effects if methadone exposure increases (for example sedation, respiratory depression, or other toxicity signals). That’s why careful dosing and monitoring are typical when a strong inhibitor is started or stopped. The patent itself does not replace clinical guidance; it’s mainly a legal coverage document for the claimed method/composition.
Where can I verify the exact claim language for US11771662B2?
The most reliable way is to read the patent document itself (the “Claims” section). If you want, share the patent’s publication link or paste the claims text (or even just the independent claim), and I can summarize exactly what it claims—composition vs. method, dosing steps, and any specific ranges or limitations.
---
Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch.com