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Hughto JMW, Tapper A, Rapisarda SS, Stopka TJ, Palacios WR, Case P, Silcox J, Moyo P, Green TC. Drug use patterns and factors related to the use and discontinuation of medications for opioid use disorder in the age of fentanyl: findings from a mixed-methods study of people who use drugs. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:30. [PMID: 37217975 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00538-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD; methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone) are the most effective treatments for OUD, and MOUD is protective against fatal overdoses. However, continued illegal drug use can increase the risk of treatment discontinuation. Given the widespread presence of fentanyl in the drug supply, research is needed to understand who is at greatest risk for concurrent MOUD and drug use and the contexts shaping use and treatment discontinuation. METHODS From 2017 to 2020, Massachusetts residents with past-30-day illegal drug use completed surveys (N = 284) and interviews (N = 99) about MOUD and drug use. An age-adjusted multinomial logistic regression model tested associations between past-30-day drug use and MOUD use (current/past/never). Among those on methadone or buprenorphine (N = 108), multivariable logistic regression models examined the association between socio-demographics, MOUD type; and past-30-day use of heroin/fentanyl; crack; benzodiazepines; and pain medications. Qualitative interviews explored drivers of concurrent drug and MOUD use. RESULTS Most (79.9%) participants had used MOUD (38.7% currently; 41.2% past), and past 30-day drug use was high: 74.4% heroin/fentanyl; 51.4% crack cocaine; 31.3% benzodiazepines, and 18% pain medications. In exploring drug use by MOUD history, multinomial regression analyses found that crack use was positively associated with past and current MOUD use (outcome referent: never used MOUD); whereas benzodiazepine use was not associated with past MOUD use but was positively associated with current use. Conversely, pain medication use was associated with reduced odds of past and current MOUD use. Among those on methadone or buprenorphine, separate multivariable logistic regression models found that benzodiazepine and methadone use were positively associated with heroin/fentanyl use; living in a medium-sized city and sex work were positively associated with crack use; heroin/fentanyl use was positively associated with benzodiazepine use; and witnessing an overdose was inversely associated with pain medication use. Many participants qualitatively reported reducing illegal opioid use while on MOUD, yet inadequate dosage, trauma, psychological cravings, and environmental triggers drove their continued drug use, which increased their risk of treatment discontinuation and overdose. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight variations in continued drug use by MOUD use history, reasons for concurrent use, and implications for MOUD treatment delivery and continuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn M W Hughto
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center for Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Abigail Tapper
- Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Sabrina S Rapisarda
- Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
- School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wilson R Palacios
- School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Patricia Case
- Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Silcox
- Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
- Department of Sociology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patience Moyo
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Traci C Green
- Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine Research, Department of Community Health, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Providence, RI, USA
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Borrelli EP, Bratberg J, Hallowell BD, Kogut SJ. Benzodiazepine Dose Intensity among Patients Concurrently Prescribed Buprenorphine in Rhode Island. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:1038-1045. [PMID: 37129006 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2205492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: The concomitant use of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines has been linked to patient fatalities, with greater risk occurring with higher doses of benzodiazepines. We assessed benzodiazepine dose intensity among patients who were concurrently prescribed buprenorphine, as compared with patients prescribed benzodiazepines who were not receiving buprenorphine. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of adult patients who received at least a 30-day supply of benzodiazepines during 2018, using data from the Rhode Island (RI) Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Mean daily diazepam milligram equivalents (DME) were calculated overall and according to patient sex, age group, payment type, and RI county. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the odds of higher-dose benzodiazepine utilization among patients with concurrent use of buprenorphine, as compared with patients not prescribed buprenorphine, adjusting for patient demographics. Results: Compared to patients prescribed benzodiazepines who were not receiving buprenorphine, those with concurrent buprenorphine utilization had a significantly higher mean DME/day (19.22, 95% CI: 18.70-19.74; vs 10.94, 95% CI: 10.93-10.95; p < 0.001). Patients who were prescribed benzodiazepines with concurrent utilization of buprenorphine also had a comparatively higher odds of a DME/day ≥15 (aOR: 2.86, 95% CI: 2.63-3.10), ≥20 DME/day (aOR: 2.98, 95% CI: 2.75-3.24), and ≥25 DME/day (aOR: 2.99, 95% CI: 2.65-3.18). Conclusion: Compared to patients prescribed benzodiazepines for at least 30 days who were not receiving buprenorphine, patients concurrently utilizing benzodiazepines and buprenorphine had more than twice the odds of higher dose benzodiazepine utilization. Future studies are needed to assess the relationship between benzodiazepine dose intensity, overdose outcomes, and treatment retention among patients receiving buprenorphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P Borrelli
- University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bratberg
- University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Stephen J Kogut
- University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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Kuo YF, Liaw V, Yu X, Raji MA. Opioid and Benzodiazepine Substitutes: Impact on Drug Overdose Mortality in Medicare Population. Am J Med 2022; 135:e194-e206. [PMID: 35341773 PMCID: PMC9232943 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gabapentinoids (GABAs) and serotonergic drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]/serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [SNRIs]) are increasingly being prescribed as potential substitutes to opioids and benzodiazepines (benzos), respectively, to treat co-occurring pain and anxiety disorders. The toxicities of these drug classes and their combinations are not well understood. METHODS We conducted a matched case-control study using 2013-2016 Medicare files linked to the National Death Index. Cases were enrollees who died from drug overdose. Controls were enrollees who died from other causes. Cases and controls were matched on patient characteristics and prior chronic conditions. Possession of any opioids, GABAs, benzos, and SSRIs/SNRIs in the month prior to death was defined as drug use. Combination drug use was defined as possessing at least 2 types of these prescriptions for an overlapping period of at least 7 days in the month prior to death. RESULTS Among 4323 matches, benzo possession was associated with twice the risk for drug overdose death in cases vs controls. Compared with opioid-benzo co-prescribing, combinations involving SSRIs/SNRIs and opioids (or GABAs) were associated with decreased risk (adjusted odds ratio 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.69 for opioids and SSRIs/SNRIs; adjusted odds ratio 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.79 for GABAs and SSRIs/SNRIs). Fatal drug overdose risk was similar in users of GABA-opioid, GABA-benzo, and opioid-benzo combinations. CONCLUSIONS Benzodiazepines, prescribed alone or in combination, were associated with an increased risk of drug overdose death. SSRIs/SNRIs were associated with lower risk of overdose death vs benzodiazepines. GABAs were not associated with decreased risk compared with opioids, raising concerns for GABAs' perceived relative safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Fang Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Sealy Center on Aging; Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health; Institute for Translational Science; Office of Biostatistics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
| | - Victor Liaw
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Xiaoying Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health; Office of Biostatistics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Mukaila A Raji
- Department of Internal Medicine and Sealy Center on Aging; Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health
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Cangadis-Douglass H, Jung M, Xia T, Buchbinder R, Lalic S, Russell G, Andrew N, Pearce C, Bell JS, Ilomäki J, Nielsen S. Using primary care data to understand opioid prescribing, policy impacts and clinical outcomes: A protocol for the OPPICO study. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:4129-4137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Youngblood B, Li K, Gehlert DR, Medina JC, Schwartz N. A Novel Maintenance Therapeutic for Opioid Use Disorder. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 378:133-145. [PMID: 34011529 PMCID: PMC8407529 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.000214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major socioeconomic burden. An ideal OUD pharmacotherapy will mitigate the suffering associated with opioid-withdrawal, inhibit the effects of high efficacy opioids, and minimize opioid-cravings while being safe and accessible to a diverse patient population. Although current OUD pharmacotherapies inhibit the euphoric effects of opioids of abuse, the extent to which they safely alleviate withdrawal and opioid-cravings corresponds with their intrinsic µ opioid receptor (MOR) efficacy. In addition to inhibiting the euphoric effects of opioids of abuse, the medium efficacy MOR agonist buprenorphine alleviates withdrawal and opioid-cravings, but its intrinsic MOR efficacy is sufficient such that its utility is limited by abuse and safety liabilities. Although the MOR antagonist naltrexone minimizes euphoria and has no abuse liability, it exacerbates suffering associated with withdrawal and opioid cravings. Therefore, a therapeutic with intrinsic MOR activity between the partial agonist (buprenorphine) and the antagonist (naltrexone) would strike a balance between the benefits and liabilities of these two therapeutics. To address this need, we derived RM1490, an MOR agonist based on a nonmorphinan scaffold that exhibits approximately half the intrinsic MOR efficacy of buprenorphine. In a series of preclinical assays, we compared RM1490 with buprenorphine and naltrexone at doses that achieve therapeutic levels of central nervous system MOR occupancy. RM1490 exhibited a behavioral profile consistent with reduced reward, dependence, and precipitated withdrawal liabilities. RM1490 was also more effective than buprenorphine at reversing the respiratory depressant effects of fentanyl and did not suppress respiration when combined with diazepam. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In preclinical studies, RM1490 has a physiological and behavioral profile suitable for opioid use disorder maintenance therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Youngblood
- Epiodyne Inc., San Francisco, California (B.Y., D.R.G., J.C.M., N.S.) and R2M Pharma Inc., South San Francisco, California (K.L., J.C.M.)
| | - Kevin Li
- Epiodyne Inc., San Francisco, California (B.Y., D.R.G., J.C.M., N.S.) and R2M Pharma Inc., South San Francisco, California (K.L., J.C.M.)
| | - Donald R Gehlert
- Epiodyne Inc., San Francisco, California (B.Y., D.R.G., J.C.M., N.S.) and R2M Pharma Inc., South San Francisco, California (K.L., J.C.M.)
| | - Julio C Medina
- Epiodyne Inc., San Francisco, California (B.Y., D.R.G., J.C.M., N.S.) and R2M Pharma Inc., South San Francisco, California (K.L., J.C.M.)
| | - Neil Schwartz
- Epiodyne Inc., San Francisco, California (B.Y., D.R.G., J.C.M., N.S.) and R2M Pharma Inc., South San Francisco, California (K.L., J.C.M.)
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Au VYO, Rosic T, Sanger N, Hillmer A, Chawar C, Worster A, Marsh DC, Thabane L, Samaan Z. Factors associated with opioid overdose during medication-assisted treatment: How can we identify individuals at risk? Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:71. [PMID: 34238301 PMCID: PMC8265117 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00521-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the loss of tolerance to opioids during medication-assisted treatment (MAT), this period may represent a time of heightened risk for overdose. Identifying factors associated with increased risk of overdose during treatment is therefore paramount to improving outcomes. We aimed to determine the prevalence of opioid overdoses in patients receiving MAT. Additionally, we explored factors associated with opioid overdose during MAT and the association between length of time enrolled in MAT and overdose. METHODS Data were collected prospectively from 2360 participants receiving outpatient MAT in Ontario, Canada. Participants were divided into three groups by overdose status: no history of overdose, any lifetime history of overdose, and emergency department visit for opioid overdose in the last year. We used a multivariate multinomial regression model to assess demographic and clinical factors associated with overdose status. RESULTS Twenty-four percent of participants reported a lifetime history of overdose (n = 562), and 8% reported an emergency department (ED) visit for opioid overdose in the last year (n = 179). Individuals with a recent ED visit for opioid overdose were in treatment for shorter duration (odds ratio [OR] 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87, 0.97, p = 0.001). Individuals with a lifetime or recent history of overdose were more likely to be younger in age (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89, 0.98, p = 0.007 and OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77, 0.92, p < 0.001, respectively), report more physical symptoms (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03, p = 0.005 and OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01, 1.05, p = 0.005, respectively), and had higher rates of non-prescription benzodiazepine use (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.32, 2.66, p < 0.001 and OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.43, 3.81, p = 0.001, respectively) compared to individuals with no history of overdose. CONCLUSIONS A considerable number of patients enrolled in MAT have experienced overdose. Our study highlights that there are identifiable factors associated with a patient's overdose status that may represent areas for intervention. In particular, longer duration in MAT is associated with a decreased risk of overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Y O Au
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Tea Rosic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, 100 West 5th St, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nitika Sanger
- Medical Sciences Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Alannah Hillmer
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Caroul Chawar
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Worster
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - David C Marsh
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
- Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres, Markham, ON, Canada
- ICES North, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Biostatistics Unit, Research Institute At St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Zainab Samaan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, 100 West 5th St, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada.
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Population Genomics Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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Mariottini C, Kriikku P, Ojanperä I. Concomitant drugs with buprenorphine user deaths. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 218:108345. [PMID: 33127184 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Buprenorphine is abused in several countries notwithstanding its benefits as an analgesic and as an opioid agonist treatment medication. Benzodiazepines and alcohol have previously been associated with buprenorphine toxicity. This study elucidates the role of emerging concomitant drugs in different groups of buprenorphine user deaths. METHODS All cases in the Finnish national post-mortem toxicology database from 2016-2019 in which buprenorphine or norbuprenorphine was a laboratory finding in any post-mortem specimen and age at death of 15-64 years were investigated for cause and manner of death, concurrent drug and alcohol findings, age, and gender. RESULTS There were 792 deaths with a buprenorphine finding, of which buprenorphine was implicated in poisoning without other opioids in 271 cases (34 %). In this group of buprenorphine poisoning deaths, concomitant benzodiazepines were found in 94 % (clonazepam 53 %), illicit drugs in 63 %, gabapentinoids in 50 % (pregabalin 41 %), alcohol in 41 %, antidepressants in 32 %, and antipsychotics in 28 % of cases; only three deaths showed no benzodiazepines, alcohol, or gabapentinoids. Polydrug use was common regardless of the cause of death. In the age group 15 to 24 years, concomitant use of benzodiazepines and illicit drugs, and buprenorphine poisoning were more prevalent than in the age group 25-64 years. CONCLUSIONS The unprecedentedly high concomitant use of benzodiazepines in buprenorphine user deaths obscures other possible pharmacological risk factors for buprenorphine poisoning that could be relevant for prevention. Higher mortality in the younger age group suggests particularly unsafe drug use patterns that should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mariottini
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 40, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Forensic Toxicology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pirkko Kriikku
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 40, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Forensic Toxicology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilkka Ojanperä
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 40, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Forensic Toxicology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland.
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Pizzicato LN, Hom JK, Sun M, Johnson CC, Viner KM. Adherence to buprenorphine: An analysis of prescription drug monitoring program data. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 216:108317. [PMID: 33035714 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although buprenorphine is an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), many individuals discontinue treatment soon after starting. This study assesses predictors of buprenorphine adherence using Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data. METHODS PDMP data for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania were used to measure 180-day adherence to buprenorphine among new initiates. Adherence was classified using percent days covered (PDC), and new initiates with PDC ≥ 0.80 were classified as adherent. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine factors associated with buprenorphine adherence. RESULTS Between January 2017 and December 2018, 10,669 Philadelphia residents initiated buprenorphine and 26.6 % remained adherent after 180 days. Demographic factors associated with greater odds of adherence included age category and female sex (aOR: 1.37; 95 % CI: 1.25-1.50). Those filling an opioid prescription, other than buprenorphine, during the follow-up period had lower odds of adherence than those who did not fill an opioid prescription (aOR: 0.62; 95 % CI: 0.50-0.77). Odds of adherence was greater for those on the film formulation (aOR: 1.37; 95 % CI: 1.25-1.50) than the tablet formulation. Those filling medium (aOR: 1.76; 95 % CI: 1.55-2.00) and high dose (aOR: 5.11; 95 % CI: 4.30-6.17) buprenorphine prescriptions had higher odds of adherence than those filling low dose prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS Individual demographics, receipt of an opioid prescription, buprenorphine formulation, and buprenorphine dose were all associated with adherence to buprenorphine. Ongoing strategies to address OUD need to prioritize increasing retention in long-term evidence-based buprenorphine treatment while also encouraging providers to regularly consult the PDMP to ensure patient compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia N Pizzicato
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction, 123 S. Broad St., Suite 1120, Philadelphia, PA 19109, USA
| | - Jeffrey K Hom
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction, 123 S. Broad St., Suite 1120, Philadelphia, PA 19109, USA
| | - Monica Sun
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction, 123 S. Broad St., Suite 1120, Philadelphia, PA 19109, USA
| | - Caroline C Johnson
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction, 123 S. Broad St., Suite 1120, Philadelphia, PA 19109, USA
| | - Kendra M Viner
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction, 123 S. Broad St., Suite 1120, Philadelphia, PA 19109, USA.
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Timko C, Hoggatt K. Commentary on Gibson et al. (2020): Medications for opioid use disorder- access, retention, and safety. Addiction 2020; 115:2077-2078. [PMID: 32458419 DOI: 10.1111/add.15098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Timko
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Hoggatt
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Vold JH, Aas C, Skurtveit S, Odsbu I, Chalabianloo F, Reutfors J, Halmøy A, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Potentially addictive drugs dispensing to patients receiving opioid agonist therapy: a register-based prospective cohort study in Norway and Sweden from 2015 to 2017. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036860. [PMID: 32771988 PMCID: PMC7418685 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the use of benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics, gabapentinoids, opioids and centrally acting stimulants (CAS) among patients who had received opioid agonist therapy (OAT) in Norway and Sweden during the period 2015 - 2017. DESIGN A register-based prospective cohort study using information about dispensed drugs from the Norwegian Prescription Database and Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. SETTING Patients who were dispensed OAT opioids from pharmacies. PARTICIPANTS A total of 7176 Norwegian and 3591 Swedish patients on OAT were included. OUTCOME MEASURES The number and frequency of potentially addictive drugs dispensed were calculated for the two countries. The mean daily doses of dispensed benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics were summarised by calculating benzodiazepines in diazepam equivalents and z-hypnotics in zopiclone equivalents. RESULTS In 2017, 46% of patients in Norway, and 15% in Sweden, were dispensed a benzodiazepine. Moreover, 14% in Norway and 26% in Sweden received z-hypnotics. Gabapentinoids were dispensed to 10% of patients in Norway and 19% of patients in Sweden. In Norway, 6% and 12% of the patients received strong and weak non-OAT opioids, respectively, whereas in Sweden 10% were dispensed strong non-OAT opioids and 5% weak non-OAT opioids . CAS were dispensed to 4% in Norway and 18% in Sweden. The mean daily doses of benzodiazepines were 16 and 17 mg diazepam equivalents in Norway and Sweden, respectively. For z-hypnotics, the mean daily dose was 8 mg zopiclone equivalents in both countries. 'Benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics' was the most dispensed drug combination in 2017. Similar results were found in 2015 and 2016. CONCLUSIONS Nearly half of those patients who were dispensed an OAT opioid in Norway and Sweden were dispensed potentially addictive drugs. The differences identified between Norway and Sweden might be related to differences in eligibility guidelines and restrictions with respect to OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christer Aas
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingvild Odsbu
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Johan Reutfors
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne Halmøy
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Donroe JH, Bhatraju EP, Tsui JI, Edelman EJ. Identification and Management of Opioid Use Disorder in Primary Care: an Update. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2020; 22:23. [PMID: 32285215 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-020-01149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The rising prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) and related complications in North America coupled with limited numbers of specialists in addiction medicine has led to large gaps in treatment. Primary care providers (PCPs) are ideally suited to diagnose and care for people with OUD and are increasingly being called upon to improve access to care. This review will highlight the recent literature pertaining to the care of patients with OUD by PCPs. RECENT FINDINGS The prevalence of patients with OUD in primary care practice is increasing, and models of office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) are evolving to meet local needs of both ambulatory practices and patients. OBOT has been shown to increase access to care and demonstrates comparable outcomes when compared to more specialty-driven care. OBOT is an effective means of increasing access to care for patients with OUD. The ideal structure of OBOT depends on local factors. Future research must explore ways to increase the identification and diagnosis of patients with OUD, improve treatment retention rates, reduce stigma, and promote interdisciplinary approaches to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Donroe
- Yale School of Medicine, 1450 Chapel Street, Office MOB211, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
| | | | - Judith I Tsui
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - E Jennifer Edelman
- Yale School of Medicine, 1450 Chapel Street, Office MOB211, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.,Yale Schools of Medicine and Public Health, E.S. Harkness Memorial Hall, Building A, 367 Cedar Street, Ste Suite 401, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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Alexandridis AA, Dasgupta N, Ringwalt CL, Rosamond WD, Chelminski PR, Marshall SW. Association between opioid analgesic therapy and initiation of buprenorphine management: An analysis of prescription drug monitoring program data. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227350. [PMID: 31923197 PMCID: PMC6953786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the US, medication assisted treatment, particularly with office-based buprenorphine, has been an important component of opioid dependence treatment among patients with iatrogenic addiction to opioid analgesics. The predictors of initiating buprenorphine for addiction among opioid analgesic patients have not been well-described. METHODS We conducted a time-to-event analysis using data from the North Carolina (NC) Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). Our outcome of interest was time-to-initiation of sublingual buprenorphine. Our study population was a prospective cohort of all state residents receiving a full-agonist opioid analgesic between 2011 and 2015. Predictors of initiation of sublingual buprenorphine examined included: age, gender, cumulative pharmacies and prescribers utilized, cumulative opioid intensity (defined as cumulative opioid exposure divided by duration of opioid exposure), and benzodiazepine dispensing. FINDINGS Of 4.3 million patients receiving opioid analgesics in NC between 2011 and 2015 (accumulated 8.30 million person-years of follow-up), and a total of 28,904 patients initiated buprenorphine formulations intended for addiction treatment (overall rate 3.48 per 1,000 person-years). In adjusted multivariate models, the utilization of 3 or more pharmacies (HR: 2.93; 95% CI: 2.82, 3.05) or 6 or more controlled substance prescribers (HR: 12.09; 95% CI: 10.76, 13.57) was associated with buprenorphine initiation. A dose-response relationship was observed for cumulative opioid intensity (HR in highest decile relative to lowest decile: 5.05; 95% CI: 4.70, 5.42). Benzodiazepine dispensing was negatively associated with buprenorphine initiation (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.65). CONCLUSIONS Opioid analgesic patients utilizing multiple prescribers or pharmacies are more likely to initiate sublingual buprenorphine. This finding suggests that patients with multiple healthcare interactions are more likely to be treated for high-risk opioid use, or may be more likely to be identified and treated for addiction. Future research should utilize prescription monitoring program data linked to electronic health records to include diagnosis information in analytic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos A. Alexandridis
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Nabarun Dasgupta
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Christopher L. Ringwalt
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Wayne D. Rosamond
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Paul R. Chelminski
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Stephen W. Marshall
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Guy GP, Zhang K, Halpin J, Sargent W. An Examination of Concurrent Opioid and Benzodiazepine Prescribing in 9 States, 2015. Am J Prev Med 2019; 57:629-636. [PMID: 31564606 PMCID: PMC6917208 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Concurrent prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines is discouraged by evidence-based clinical guidelines because of the known risks of taking these medications in combination. METHODS This study analyzed concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine prescribing in 9 states using the 2015 Prescription Behavior Surveillance System, a multistate database of de-identified prescription drug monitoring program data. Concurrent prescribing rates were examined among individuals with both an opioid and a benzodiazepine prescription. Among patients with concurrent prescribing, total days of opioid supply, daily dosage of opioids, and total days of concurrent prescriptions were examined. Analyses were stratified by whether concurrent prescribing was from a single prescriber or multiple prescribers. Opioid prescribing and concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine prescribing rates were examined by age and sex. Analyses were conducted in 2018. RESULTS Among 19,977,642 patients that were prescribed an opioid, 21.6% (4,324,092) were also prescribed a benzodiazepine, of which 54.9% (2,375,219) had concurrent prescriptions. More than half of patients with concurrent opioids and benzodiazepines received prescriptions from 2 or more distinct prescribers. Mean total opioid days, daily opioid dosage, and days of concurrent prescribing were higher among patients when multiple prescribers were involved compared with concurrent prescriptions from the same prescriber. Concurrent prescribing was more common among adults aged ≥50 years and female patients. CONCLUSIONS Public health interventions are needed to reduce concurrent prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines. Evidence-based guidelines can help reduce concurrent prescribing when one prescriber is involved, and utilization of prescription drug monitoring programs and improved care coordination could help address concurrent prescribing when multiple prescribers are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gery P Guy
- Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Kun Zhang
- Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - John Halpin
- Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Wesley Sargent
- Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Martin SA, Chiodo LM, Bosse JD, Wilson A. The Next Stage of Buprenorphine Care for Opioid Use Disorder. Ann Intern Med 2018; 169:628-635. [PMID: 30357262 DOI: 10.7326/m18-1652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Buprenorphine has been used internationally for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) since the 1990s and has been available in the United States for more than a decade. Initial practice recommendations were intentionally conservative, were based on expert opinion, and were influenced by methadone regulations. Since 2003, the American crisis of OUD has dramatically worsened, and much related empirical research has been undertaken. The findings in several important areas conflict with initial clinical practice that is still prevalent. This article reviews research findings in the following 7 areas: location of buprenorphine induction, combining buprenorphine with a benzodiazepine, relapse during buprenorphine treatment, requirements for counseling, uses of drug testing, use of other substances during buprenorphine treatment, and duration of buprenorphine treatment. For each area, evidence for needed updates and modifications in practice is provided. These modifications will facilitate more successful, evidence-based treatment and care for patients with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Martin
- University of Massachusetts Medical School and Barre Family Health Center, Barre, and CleanSlate Research and Education Foundation, Florence, Massachusetts (S.A.M.)
| | - Lisa M Chiodo
- University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing, Amherst, and CleanSlate Research and Education Foundation, Florence, Massachusetts (L.M.C., J.D.B.)
| | - Jordon D Bosse
- University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing, Amherst, and CleanSlate Research and Education Foundation, Florence, Massachusetts (L.M.C., J.D.B.)
| | - Amanda Wilson
- CleanSlate Research and Education Foundation, Florence, Massachusetts (A.W.)
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