Use of gelatine capsules for application of methamphetamine: a new harm reduction approach.

Background: In order to reduce injecting drug use, low-threshold facilities in the Czech Republic have started to distribute empty gelatine capsules as an oral alternative of drug application for those injecting methamphetamine. This report reviews implementation of this intervention and its possible benefits and limitations.

Methods: Between December 2008 and January 2009, 109 low-threshold facilities were asked to complete a questionnaire about the capsule programmes.