Buprenorphine Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder for Individuals Using High-potency Synthetic Opioids

Lit review
by
Weimer, Melissa B. et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

International

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

This clinical considerations document is based on a narrative literature review and expert consensus and will specifically address considerations for changes to the clinical practice of treatment of OUD with buprenorphine for individuals using high-potency synthetic opioids (HPSOs).

Findings/Key points

Broadly, the clinical considerations suggest that individualized strategies for buprenorphine initiation may be needed. The experience of opioid withdrawal negatively impacts the success of buprenorphine treatment, and attention to its management before and during buprenorphine initiation should be proactively addressed. Buprenorphine dose and dosing frequency should be individualized based on patients’ treatment needs, the possibility of novel components in the drug supply should be considered during OUD treatment, and all forms of opioid agonist treatment should be offered and considered for patients.

Keywords

Substitution/OAT
Withdrawal
Clinical guidance
About prescribers