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Rolland B, Matheson C, Kaski A, Kosim M, Roncero C, Vorspan F. Compared implementation of the long-acting buprenorphine treatment buvidal in four European countries. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:809-815. [PMID: 38898689 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2369756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Buvidal is the only depot buprenorphine currently available in Europe. Buvidal offers a new treatment paradigm, which may require some adjustment in the national regulatory frameworks for opioid agonist treatments (OATs), as well as the national care systems. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data on the national dissemination of Buvidal, types of populations treated, and the national regulatory framework and care organization system through which Buvidal has been implemented were compared between the UK, Finland, Spain, and France, using a qualitative survey. RESULTS In 2022, the proportion of people on OAT who received Buvidal was 2.1% in the UK, 60-65% in Finland, 1% in Spain, and 0.3% in France. In both Finland and the UK, the cost of the medication is covered by the national health system, whereas, in Spain and France, Buvidal is accessible only in specialized centers, which must carry its cost. Other national features may explain the gaps in Buvidal use, including the baseline level of OAT coverage, which was high in both France and Spain. CONCLUSIONS Important national discrepancies are found regarding Buvidal dissemination among people on OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Rolland
- Service Universitaire d'Addictologie de Lyon (SUAL), Hospices Civils de Lyon, CH Le Vinatier, Lyon, France
| | - Catriona Matheson
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Colin Bell Building, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Ari Kaski
- Kuopio Addiction Medicine Center, Päihdepalvelusäätiö, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Margaux Kosim
- Camurus SAS, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, GHU Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Consultations de médecine-Alcoologie PASS, Paris, France
| | - Carlos Roncero
- Unidad de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicinia, Universidad de Salamanca & Instituto de Biomedicina (IBSAL), Spain; Universidad de Salamanca, C, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Florence Vorspan
- Université Paris Cité, UFR de Médecine et INSERM UMRS 1144, Paris, France; Département de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, Hôpital Fernand Widal, GHU NORD, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de, Paris, France
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Maremmani I, Dematteis M, Gorzelanczyk EJ, Mugelli A, Walcher S, Torrens M. Long-Acting Buprenorphine Formulations as a New Strategy for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5575. [PMID: 37685642 PMCID: PMC10488107 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-acting buprenorphine formulations have been recently marketed for the Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) of opioid use disorder (OUD) associated with medical, social, and psychological support. Their duration of action ranges from one week up to 6 months. The non-medical use of opioids is increasing with a parallel rise in lethal overdoses. Methadone and buprenorphine are the standard treatment for opioid dependence. Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) is widely recognized as one of the most effective ways of reducing the risks of overdose, crime, and transmission of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in people who use opioids; however, its effectiveness has been hindered by low rates of uptake and retention in treatment. Furthermore, both methadone and buprenorphine are widely diverted and misused. Thus, a crucial aspect of treating OUD is facilitating patients' access to treatment while minimizing substance-related harm and improving quality of life. The newly developed long-acting buprenorphine formulations represent a significant change in the paradigm of OUD treatment, allowing an approach individualized to patients' needs. Strengths of this individualized approach are improved adherence (lack of peaks and troughs in blood concentrations) and a reduced stigma since the patient doesn't need to attend their clinic daily or nearly daily, thus facilitating social and occupational integrations as the quality of life. However, less frequent attendance at the clinic should not affect the patient-physician relationship. Therefore, teleconsulting or digital therapeutic services should be developed in parallel. In addition, diversion and intravenous misuse of buprenorphine are unlikely due to the characteristics of these formulations. These features make this approach of interest for treating OUD in particular settings, such as subjects staying or when released from prison or those receiving long-term residential treatment for OUD in the therapeutic communities. The long-lasting formulations of buprenorphine can positively impact the OUD treatment and suggest future medical and logistic developments to maximize their personalized management and impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Icro Maremmani
- VP Dole Research Group, G. De Lisio Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Via di Pratale 3, 56121 Pisa, Italy;
- UniCamillus, International Medical University in Rome, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurice Dematteis
- Department of Pharmacology and Addiction Medicine, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble Alpes University, Rue de la Chantourne, 38043 Grenoble, France;
| | - Edward J. Gorzelanczyk
- Department of Theoretical Basis of Biomedical Sciences and Medical Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 85-067 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
- Faculty of Philosophy, Kazimierz Wielki University, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland
- The Society for the Substitution Treatment of Addiction ”Medically Assisted Recovery”, 85-791 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Alessandro Mugelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NeuroFarBa), University of Florence, Via della Pergola, 50121 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Stephan Walcher
- CONCEPT Center for Addiction Medicine, Kaiserstrasse 1, D-80801 Munich, Germany;
| | - Marta Torrens
- Addiction Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute Barcelona, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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3
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Mannaioni G, Lugoboni F. Precautions in the management of opioid agonist therapy: from target population characteristics to new formulations and post-marketing monitoring - a focus on the Italian system. Drugs Context 2023; 12:2023-2-6. [PMID: 37664791 PMCID: PMC10470859 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2023-2-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a serious medical condition with vast social, health and economic impact. Individuals with OUD are prescribed opioid agonist therapies, such as methadone, levomethadone, buprenorphine or naloxone/buprenorphine, to reduce the risks associated with illegal substance abuse, eventually leading to opioid use abstinence. The OUD population has peculiar frailties, mainly related to the psychiatric sphere, which may jeopardize their therapeutic course. Amongst the possible phenomena that may contribute to treatment failure, opioid agonist therapy misuse and diversion are of utmost importance, leading to serious repercussions for patients as well as for national health systems. To minimize the consequences related to these practices, it is necessary to implement cross-cutting precautions, from the formulation of abuse-deterrent drugs to the implementation of a national monitoring system that oversees the health situation and signals when action is needed. Based on these premises, this article focuses on data and insights concerning the Italian territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Mannaioni
- Sezione di Farmacologia e Tossicologia dell’Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence,
Italy
- Struttura Organizzativa Dipartimentale di Tossicologia Medica e Centro Antiveleni, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Florence,
Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Unità di Medicina delle Dipendenze, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Policlinico “G.B. Rossi”, Verona,
Italy
- International Society of Substance Use Professionals, Italian Chapter
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4
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Zhao Y, Xu J, Shangguan J, Pan H, Lu K, Hu S, Xu H. In situ gel-forming oil as rectally delivering platform of hydrophobic therapeutics for ulcerative colitis therapy. Int J Pharm 2023:123149. [PMID: 37336301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Because of their poor water-soluble properties and non-specific distribution, most hydrophobic therapeutics had limited benefit for patients with ulcerative colitis. Herein, an in-situ oil-based gel has been developed as a rectal delivery vehicle for these therapeutics. In situ gel-forming oil (BBLG) was composed of soybean phosphatidyl choline (40%, w/w), glyceryl dioleate (50%, w/w), and ethanol (10%, w/w). The hydrophobic laquinimod (LAQ) as a model drug was easily dissolved in gel-forming oil and its solubility was reaching to 7 ± 0.1 mg/mL. Importantly, upon contact with the colonic fluids, the gel-forming oil was quickly transited to a semi-solid gel, adhering to the inflamed colon mucosa and forming a protective barrier. Transmission Electron Microscopy showed that the gel network was arranged by the connected lipid spheres and LAQ was non-crystally encapsulated into the lipid spheres. Moreover, the universal adhesive test showed that the adhesive force and the adhesive energy of BBLG toward fresh colon tissues were 711±12 mN and 25 ± 2 J/m2, which was 2.14-fold and 5-fold higher than that of the marketed Poloxamer 407 gel, respectively. Meanwhile, in vivo imaging confirmed that the retention time of BBLG in the colon lumen was more than 8 h after rectal administration. In vivo animal studies showed that BBLG also greatly enhanced the therapeutic impact of LAQ on TNBS-treated rats with ulcerative colitis, as evidenced by reduced disease activity index (DAI) scores and weight loss. Moreover, the colonic inflammation was significantly alleviated and the goblet cells were obliviously restored after treatment. Importantly, the gut mucosa barrier was largely repaired without any formation of fibrosis remodeling. Conclusively, in situ liquid gel may be a potential delivery system of hydrophobic medicines for ulcerative colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzheng Zhao
- Department of pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325035, China; CiXi Biomedical Research Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Jiawei Xu
- Department of pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325035, China; CiXi Biomedical Research Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Jianxun Shangguan
- Department of pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325035, China; CiXi Biomedical Research Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Hanxiao Pan
- Department of pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325035, China; CiXi Biomedical Research Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Kaili Lu
- Department of pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325035, China; CiXi Biomedical Research Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Sunkuan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325000, China.
| | - Helin Xu
- Department of pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325035, China; CiXi Biomedical Research Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, China.
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5
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Beer L, Inglis S, Malaguti A, Byrne C, Sharkey C, Robinson E, Gillings K, Radley A, Hapca A, Stephens B, Dillon J. Randomized clinical trial: Direct-acting antivirals as treatment for hepatitis C in people who inject drugs: Delivered in needle and syringe programs via directly observed therapy versus fortnightly collection. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:646-653. [PMID: 35582875 PMCID: PMC9544056 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in people who inject drugs (PWID) is delivered within settings frequented by PWID, such as needle and syringe programs (NSP). The optimal direct-acting antiviral (DAA) dispensing regimen among NSP clients is unknown. This study compared cures (Sustained virologic response 12 weeks post-treatment, [SVR12 ]) across three dispensing schedules to establish non-inferiority of fortnightly dispensing versus directly observed therapy. The ADVANCE HCV study was a randomized, unblinded trial, recruiting PWID attending NSP in Tayside, Scotland, between January 2018 and November 2019. HCV-positive participants were randomized to receive DAAs via directly observed therapy, fortnightly provision or fortnightly provision with psychological intervention. A modified intention to treat analysis was used to identify differences in cures between the three treatment regimes. The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov; NCT03236506. A total of 110 participants completed the study. 33 participants received directly observed therapy, with 90.91% SVR12 ; 37 received fortnightly provision, with 86.49% SVR12 and 40 received fortnightly provision and psychological intervention at treatment initiation, with 92.50% SVR12 . Analysis showed no significant difference in SVR12 (p = 0.67). This study did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in cure rate between groups. This provides evidence of the non-inferiority of fortnightly dispensing of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) compared to directly observed therapy among PWID. It suggests that tight control of adherence through directly observed therapy dispensing of DAAs among this population offers no therapeutic advantage. Therefore, less restrictive dispensing patterns can be used, tailored to patient convenience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis Beer
- Tayside Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
| | - Sarah Inglis
- Tayside Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
| | - Amy Malaguti
- Tayside Drug & Alcohol Recovery Psychology ServiceNHS TaysideDundeeUK
| | - Christopher Byrne
- Tayside Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK,Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
| | | | - Emma Robinson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK,Ninewells Hospital and Medical SchoolNHS TaysideDundeeScotland
| | | | | | - Adrian Hapca
- Tayside Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
| | - Brian Stephens
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical SchoolNHS TaysideDundeeScotland
| | - John Dillon
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK,Ninewells Hospital and Medical SchoolNHS TaysideDundeeScotland
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Scott R, Aboud A, O'Gorman T. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine - 'best practice' opioid agonist therapy for Australian prisoners. Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:498-502. [PMID: 34852654 DOI: 10.1177/10398562211059086] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To consider opioid agonist therapy in prisons. CONCLUSIONS Given the substantial risks of substance misuse by prisoners, long-acting injectable buprenorphine should be adopted as 'best practice' treatment in Australian prison populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russ Scott
- Prison Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Aboud
- Prison Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thomas O'Gorman
- Metro North Mental Health Alcohol and Drug Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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7
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Tijani AO, Garg J, Frempong D, Verana G, Kaur J, Joga R, Sabanis CD, Kumar S, Kumar N, Puri A. Sustained drug delivery strategies for treatment of common substance use disorders: Promises and challenges. J Control Release 2022; 348:970-1003. [PMID: 35752256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a leading cause of death and other ill health effects in the United States and other countries in the world. Several approaches ranging from detoxification, behavioral therapy, and the use of antagonists or drugs with counter effects are currently being applied for its management. Amongst these, drug therapy is the mainstay for some drug abuse incidences, as is in place specifically for opioid abuse or alcohol dependence. The severity of the havocs observed with the SUDs has triggered constant interest in the discovery and development of novel medications as well as suitable or most appropriate methods for the delivery of these agents. The chronic need of such drugs in users warrants the need for their prolonged or sustained systemic availability. Further, the need to improve patient tolerance to medication, limit invasive drug use and overall treatment outcome are pertinent considerations for embracing sustained release designs for medications used in managing SUDs. This review aims to provide an overview on up-to-date advances made with regards to sustained delivery systems for the drugs for treatment of different types of SUDs such as opioid, alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, and cannabis use disorders. The clinical relevance, promises and the limitations of deployed sustained release approaches along with future opportunities are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akeemat O Tijani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
| | - Jivesh Garg
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Dorcas Frempong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
| | - Gabrielle Verana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
| | - Jagroop Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
| | - Ramesh Joga
- Department of Regulatory Affairs, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500 037, Telangana, India.
| | - Chetan D Sabanis
- Department of Regulatory Affairs, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500 037, Telangana, India.
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Regulatory Affairs, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500 037, Telangana, India.
| | - Neeraj Kumar
- Department of Regulatory Affairs, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500 037, Telangana, India.
| | - Ashana Puri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
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Soyka M, Steinböck H. [Substitution Treatment for Opiate Addicts in Forensic Hospitals under the Penal System]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2022; 90:559-564. [PMID: 35100637 DOI: 10.1055/a-1669-9033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Opiate addiction is common among offenders, and many opiate-dependent lawbreakers are treated in the correctional system according to § 64 STGB. While substitution treatment in prisons has become common practice, substitution treatment in forensic hospitals in the traditionally abstinence-oriented prison system is controversial and also varies from region to region. Basic data on this are lacking so far. The problem is discussed against the background of a current expert opinion case. Current figures from a large forensic hospital in Munich-East show that almost 30% of the patients are treated with substitutes (n=186). The problem of substitution treatment in the prison system is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Soyka
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinik, LMU München, München, Deutschland
| | - Herbert Steinböck
- Klinik für forensische Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, kbo-Isar-Amper-Klinikum München-Ost, Haar bei München
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9
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Soyka M. Transition From Full Mu Opioid Agonists to Buprenorphine in Opioid Dependent Patients-A Critical Review. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:718811. [PMID: 34887748 PMCID: PMC8650116 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.718811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Methadone, a full opioid agonist at the mu-, kappa-, and delta-receptor, and buprenorphine, a partial agonist at the mu receptor, are first-line medications in opioid maintenance treatment. Transition from methadone to buprenorphine may precipitate withdrawal, and no accepted algorithm for this procedure has been developed. Current treatment strategies recommend transfer from methadone to buprenorphine predominantly in patients at low doses of methadone (30-40 mg/day). There are some reports indicating that transition from higher doses of methadone may be possible. A number of dosing strategies have been proposed to soften withdrawal symptoms and facilitate transfer including use of other opioids or medications and especially microdosing techniques for buprenorphine. The case series and studies available thus far are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Soyka
- Psychiatric Hospital, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Soyka M, Franke AG. Recent advances in the treatment of opioid use disorders–focus on long-acting buprenorphine formulations. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:543-552. [PMID: 34631459 PMCID: PMC8474991 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i9.543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral methadone or sublingual buprenorphine are first-line medications for pharmacotherapy of opioid use disorders (OUDs). Three long-acting buprenorphine depot or implant formulations are currently available for the treatment of OUDs: (1) CAM 2038 (Buvidal) for subcutaneous weekly and monthly application; (2) RBP-6000 (Sublocade™) as a monthly depot formulation; and (3) A six-month buprenorphine implant [Probuphine™]. The pharmacology, clinical efficacy and prospects of these medications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Soyka
- Psychiatric Hospital, University of Munich, München 80336, Germany
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Soyka M, Groß G. Transition from methadone to subcutaneous buprenorphine depot in patients with opioid use disorder in custodial setting - a case series. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2021; 47:599-604. [PMID: 34407703 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2021.1963757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methadone, a full opioid agonist, and buprenorphine, a partial agonist at the opioid receptor, are established first-line medications for opioid maintenance therapy. Transition from methadone to sublingual buprenorphine may precipitate withdrawal and is usually performed only in patients on low dose of methadone (<30-40 mg). Transition from methadone to a novel subcutaneous buprenorphine depot (Buvidal) has not been previously described. OBJECTIVES To test the hypothesis that a rapid transition from methadone to buprenorphine depot after a single dose of buprenorphine 4 mg sublingual is safe and well tolerated. METHODS Retrospective chart analysis of a case series of seven opioid users under custodial setting (prison) who were switched from methadone to buprenorphine depot (initial dose 16 mg weekly subcutaneously) after an initial test dose of buprenorphine 4 mg sublingual within 48 hours. RESULTS Clinical data indicate that a rapid transition from methadone to depot buprenorphine is feasible (six patients within 48 hours, one within 4 days). All patients were successfully switched to buprenorphine depot and the transfer period was completed without dropouts or major medical problems. Further dose adjustments were performed in 4 of 7 patients. CONCLUSIONS Transition of opioid users from methadone to buprenorphine depot is feasible and safe via 4 mg buprenorphine sublingual. This procedure may facilitate induction of buprenorphine depot formulations in patients treated with methadone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Soyka
- Psychiatric Hospital University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gregor Groß
- Psychiatric Department, Justizvollzugsanstalt Straubing, Straubing, Germany
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