Buprenorphine Dose and Time to Discontinuation Among Patients With Opioid Use Disorder in the Era of Fentanyl
Date Added:
October 8, 2023
Journal/Publication:
JAMA Netw Open
Publisher:
AMA
Publication Date:
September 18, 2023
Issue:
9
Volume:
6
Type:
Clinical Research Results
Format:
Article
DOI (1):
10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.34540
PMID (1):
37721749
Abstract
Question: Are higher doses of buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder associated with improved retention in treatment when use of fentanyl (vs heroin) is more prevalent?
Findings: In this cohort study of 6499 patients initiating buprenorphine treatment between 2016 and 2020, those prescribed the recommended daily dose (16 mg) were at significantly greater risk of treatment discontinuation within 180 days than those prescribed a higher dose (24 mg).
Meaning: The results of this study suggest that the value of higher buprenorphine doses than currently recommended needs to be considered for improving retention in treatment.
Text Availability
Free full text
RPR Commentary
Consider somewhat higher doses of buprenorphine than recommended in patients using or at risk for using fentanyl. James W. Mold, MD, MPH