Factors to guide the use of extended-release buprenorphine formulations for specific patient populations

Ari B. Cuperfain, Gali Katznelson, Tianna Costa, Patrick Wong, Narges Beyraghi, Tony P. George, Michelle R. Lofwall, Nitin Chopra

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Opioid agonist therapy is first line in the management of opioid use disorder (OUD). Many guidelines support buprenorphine as the optimal treatment due to its preferred safety profile. Extended-release buprenorphine (BUP-XR) is a weekly or monthly subcutaneously administered formulation of buprenorphine. Emerging research has explored the use of BUP-XR in a variety of patient populations to guide clinicians in determining which patients may or may not benefit from BUP-XR. Methods: We conducted a literature review in Medline, PsycInfo and Embase to capture the literature to date on BUP-XR. Abstracts were reviewed, and papers which guided selection of individuals who would or would not benefit from BUP-XR were included. Results: Our search returned 359 articles, and 31 met inclusion criteria. Special populations who may benefit from BUP-XR include individuals experiencing homelessness, incarceration, and medical or psychiatric comorbidity, while caution should be used around pregnancy. Patient preference and patient-centered outcomes were recurring considerations to guide the selection of BUP-XR. Conclusions: Extended-release buprenorphine formulations represent a relatively new tool for managing OUD and may specifically benefit patients undergoing transitions in care. Further research on the comparative effectiveness of extended-release versus daily-dosing formulations and in other populations of interest is needed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)340-346
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Substance Use
Volume29
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Keywords

  • Opioids
  • buprenorphine
  • depot
  • opioid use disorder
  • special populations

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Health(social science)

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