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Shulman M, Provost S, Ohrtman K, Novo P, Meyers-Ohki S, Van Veldhuisen P, Oden N, Otterstatter M, Bailey GL, Liu D, Rotrosen J, Nunes EV, Weiss RD. Discontinuation of medication treatment for opioid use disorder after a successful course: The discontinuation phase of the CTN-0100 (RDD) trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 142:107543. [PMID: 38657730 PMCID: PMC11180567 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone, are effective in decreasing opioid use, morbidity and mortality. The available evidence suggests that these medications should be used for long term treatment; however, patients often ask how long they need to be on medication, and whether it would be safe to discontinue. There are sparse data to guide us. The CTN-0100 trial will address this gap in our knowledge by studying participants who have decided to discontinue buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone for OUD. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The trial is a multicenter, randomized, non-blinded study. Participants are stable adult volunteers, on sublingual buprenorphine, extended-release buprenorphine, or extended-release naltrexone, expressing an interest in discontinuing medication. Participants on buprenorphine must be stable for at least 1 year and participants on extended-release naltrexone must be stable for at least 6 months. Participants are engaged in the study for up to 96 weeks, including a flexible taper period, and are then transitioned to follow-up within the trial. All participants are randomly assigned to the study Medical Management (MM) or to MM plus Connections (CHESS health) digital smartphone application aimed at recovery and abstinence (MMD). Sublingual Buprenorphine participants are also randomized (2 × 2 design) to a taper using either sublingual or extended-release buprenorphine. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION It is hoped that this trial will provide a rich source of data on management of patients discontinuing medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) to inform future research and practice. The trial will shed light on which strategies are most likely to lead to long-term success (absence of relapse), and what participant characteristics distinguish those who can safely discontinue MOUD from those who remain at risk of relapse should they discontinue. CLINICALTRIALS gov Identifier: NCT04464980.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matisyahu Shulman
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, USA; Columbia University Irving Medical Center, USA.
| | | | | | - Patricia Novo
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Genie L Bailey
- Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University / Stanley Street Treatment and Resources, Inc., USA
| | - David Liu
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, USA
| | - John Rotrosen
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Edward V Nunes
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, USA; Columbia University Irving Medical Center, USA
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Nehlin C, Brander CW, Öster C. Caregivers' Attitudes Toward Treatment Length for Persons in Swedish Opioid Agonist Treatment. A Qualitative Interview Study. J Psychoactive Drugs 2024; 56:373-379. [PMID: 37353937 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2228794] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Although opioid agonist treatment (OAT) has several beneficial effects, the issue of optimal treatment length remains unresolved. It is plausible that caregivers' attitudes toward treatment length are of importance to whether, how and when tapering off will take place. In this study, we investigated caregivers' attitudes toward treatment length by interviewing 15 caregivers from a variety of professions working in seven OAT treatment programs in Sweden. Data were analyzed using applied thematic analysis. The participants were generally hesitant concerning the idea of tapering off. Few of them had experiences of patients tapering off successfully. Many of them never brought up the subject unless the patient did so her-/himself. Only younger, socially stable patients were perceived to be suitable for tapering off. Participants also expressed a need among staff for education and ethical discussions on treatment length. A person-centered focus may be promoted by recurrently discussing treatment goals and by co-operating with patients to map the recovery capital of those interested in tapering. To further support caregivers in developing person-centered care, more knowledge of opioid use disorder and professional and interprofessional discussions of caregivers' own attitudes and beliefs are paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Nehlin
- Department of Medical Sciences, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Psychiatry, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Caisa Öster
- Department of Medical Sciences, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Psychiatry, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Spinella S, McCarthy R. Buprenorphine for Pain: A Narrative Review and Practical Applications. Am J Med 2024; 137:406-413. [PMID: 38340973 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Chronic noncancer pain affects about 20% of US adults and can significantly affect function and quality of life. Current guidelines recommend multimodal pain control. Despite risks associated with long-term opioid therapy, opioids are commonly prescribed. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist with an improved safety profile compared to full agonists. Some formulations are approved for chronic pain and others for opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is an option for patients who use chronic daily opioids for pain. This review summarizes the literature on buprenorphine's efficacy and safety for chronic pain and provides recommendations to generalists on initiation, titration, and monitoring of buprenorphine-based pain treatment. We also discuss a communication approach when considering buprenorphine for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Spinella
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pa.
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Yan R, Kurz M, Guerra-Alejos BC, Min JE, Bach P, Greenland S, Gustafson P, Karim E, Korthuis PT, Loughin T, McCandless L, Platt RW, Schnepel K, Seaman S, Socías ME, Wood E, Xie H, Nosyk B. What is the ideal time to begin tapering opioid agonist treatment? A protocol for a retrospective population-based comparative effectiveness study in British Columbia, Canada. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e083453. [PMID: 38684262 PMCID: PMC11086281 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) tapering involves a gradual reduction in daily medication dose to ultimately reach a state of opioid abstinence. Due to the high risk of relapse and overdose after tapering, this practice is not recommended by clinical guidelines, however, clients may still request to taper off medication. The ideal time to initiate an OAT taper is not known. However, ethically, taper plans should acknowledge clients' preferences and autonomy but apply principles of shared informed decision-making regarding safety and efficacy. Linked population-level data capturing real-world tapering practices provide a valuable opportunity to improve existing evidence on when to contemplate starting an OAT taper. Our objective is to determine the comparative effectiveness of alternative times from OAT initiation at which a taper can be initiated, with a primary outcome of taper completion, as observed in clinical practice in British Columbia (BC), Canada. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We propose a population-level retrospective observational study with a linkage of eight provincial health administrative databases in BC, Canada (01 January 2010 to 17 March 2020). Our primary outcomes include taper completion and all-cause mortality during treatment. We propose a 'per-protocol' target trial to compare different durations to taper initiation on the likelihood of taper completion. A range of sensitivity analyses will be used to assess the heterogeneity and robustness of the results including assessment of effectiveness and safety. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol, cohort creation and analysis plan have been classified and approved as a quality improvement initiative by Providence Health Care Research Ethics Board and the Simon Fraser University Office of Research Ethics. Results will be disseminated to local advocacy groups and decision-makers, national and international clinical guideline developers, presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals electronically and in print.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyu Yan
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Megan Kurz
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Jeong Eun Min
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paxton Bach
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sander Greenland
- Department of Epidemiology and Department of Statistics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Paul Gustafson
- Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ehsan Karim
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- School of Public Health, OHSU, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Tom Loughin
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lawrence McCandless
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert W Platt
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kevin Schnepel
- Department of Economics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - M Eugenia Socías
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Clinical Research, BC Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hui Xie
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Epland C, Pals H, Hayden J. Buprenorphine Enhanced Taper Tolerability Evaluation Report (BETTER): A Case Series. SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION JOURNAL 2024:29767342241242242. [PMID: 38591225 DOI: 10.1177/29767342241242242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discontinuing sublingual buprenorphine (SL-BUP) has been identified by some patients as a potential outcome of success for opioid use disorder treatment. The process of tapering SL-BUP can be lengthy as unpleasant opioid withdrawal symptoms limit the pace of dose adjustments. Uncontrolled withdrawal symptoms pose a risk for return to illicit opioid use and more patient-centered options for tapering SL-BUP are needed. Previous case reports have identified using extended-release subcutaneous buprenorphine (ER-BUP) to minimize withdrawal symptoms as the dose self-decreases very gradually. Ideal dosing strategies, appropriate patient characteristics, and duration of buprenorphine release with the ER-BUP injection are not well described. PATIENT CASES We present 8 cases where a single 100 mg ER-BUP injection was administered to patients experiencing intolerable withdrawal symptoms during SL-BUP taper. Patients were taking between 2 and 6 mg SL-BUP daily prior to injection. Three patients experienced mild adverse effects the day after receiving injection, all of which were taking lower SL-BUP doses (2-3 mg). In the 12 months following injection, 3 patients experienced mild, but tolerable withdrawal symptoms at variable intervals. Two patients returned to taking SL-BUP and no patients returned to illicit opioid use. Buprenorphine urine toxicology showed elimination of buprenorphine occurred after 24 weeks. DISCUSSION Findings from these cases support current evidence-based guidance that ER-BUP tapering is better tolerated than traditional SL-BUP tapering. These patient cases and pharmacokinetic modeling of ER-BUP suggest that a target preinjection dose of 2 to 6 mg SL-BUP will minimize the risk of more severe adverse effects or withdrawal symptoms. Patients and providers should ensure that remission is well-established before initiating SL-BUP taper. A shared decision-making approach can help support patient autonomy and understanding safety risks of discontinuing SL-BUP. Future prospective studies with larger populations could further refine dosing strategies with various SL-BUP preinjection doses and newer ER-BUP formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Epland
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Haley Pals
- Tomah Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tomah, WI, USA
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Bowles J, Mansoor M, Werb D, Kerr T, Bardwell G. A qualitative assessment of tablet injectable opioid agonist therapy (TiOAT) in rural and smaller urban British Columbia, Canada: Motivations and initial impacts. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 157:209185. [PMID: 37865289 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evolving and unpredictable unregulated drug market has driven an unprecedented overdose crisis that requires effective intervention. Growing evidence suggests that novel opioid agonist treatments, such as tablet injectable opioid agonist therapy (TiOAT), have potential to prevent overdoses and other drug-related harms. More evidence is needed to characterize their utility in achieving these outcomes. The current article is an analysis of two TiOAT programs implemented in British Columbia, Canada, to assess impact on health and well-being, including overdose risk. Moreover, we explored participants' enrollment goals and if they were achieved. METHODS The study employed qualitative methods to evaluate the TiOAT program in two sites between October 2021 and April 2022. We developed a semi-structured interview tool to guide in depth interviews. All interviews (n = 32) took place on teleconference software or in person. Thematic analysis allowed for the emergence of themes associated with TiOAT participation. RESULTS Participants discussed various motivations for enrolling in TiOAT, which included gaining financial stability, reducing or eliminating drug use, addressing withdrawal symptoms, wanting to work, and improving social circumstances. An assessment of initial programmatic impacts revealed that many participant-identified motivators were achieved. Participants also reported fewer or no overdoses since starting TiOAT, and many reported switching from injecting to smoking drugs. Some challenges included adequate dosing as evidenced by ongoing withdrawal and pain. Some participants requested additional opioids, such as diacetylmorphine, to aid in reducing illicit drug use. CONCLUSION Participants described how TiOAT helped them to achieve many of their goals. Suggested programmatic improvements include enhanced patient-provider co-design with respect to dosing to address ongoing withdrawal and pain. As the unpredictability the unregulated drug market worsens, novel options, such as TiOAT, ought to be implemented broadly to reduce overdose events and improve quality of life for people who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette Bowles
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
| | - Manal Mansoor
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Dan Werb
- University of California San Diego, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, La Jolla, CA, United States; Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital: Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Geoff Bardwell
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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Wyse JJ, Lovejoy TI, Gordon AJ, Mackey K, Herreid-O'Neill A, Morasco BJ. "I'm Clean and Sober, But Not Necessarily Free": Perceptions of Buprenorphine Among Patients in Long-Term Treatment. Subst Abus 2023; 44:41-50. [PMID: 37226910 PMCID: PMC11132627 DOI: 10.1177/08897077231165625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients receiving buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) experience a roughly 50% reduction in mortality risk relative to those not receiving medication. Longer periods of treatment are also associated with improved clinical outcomes. Despite this, patients often express desires to discontinue treatment and some view taper as treatment success. Little is known about the beliefs and medication perspectives of patients engaged in long-term buprenorphine treatment that may underlie motivations to discontinue. METHODS This study was conducted at the VA Portland Health Care System (2019-2020). Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants prescribed buprenorphine for ≥2 years. Coding and analysis were guided by directed qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Fourteen patients engaged in office-based buprenorphine treatment completed interviews. While patients expressed strong enthusiasm for buprenorphine as a medication, the majority expressed the desire to discontinue, including patients actively tapering. Motivations to discontinue fell into 4 categories. First, patients were troubled by perceived side effects of the medication, including effects on sleep, emotion, and memory. Second, patients expressed unhappiness with being "dependent" on buprenorphine, framed in opposition to personal strength/independence. Third, patients expressed stigmatized beliefs about buprenorphine, describing it as "illicit," and associated with past drug use. Finally, patients expressed fears about buprenorphine unknowns, including potential long-term health effects and interactions with medications required for surgery. CONCLUSIONS Despite recognizing benefits, many patients engaged in long-term buprenorphine treatment express a desire to discontinue. Findings from this study may help clinicians anticipate patient concerns and can be used to inform shared decision-making conversations regarding buprenorphine treatment duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Wyse
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Travis I Lovejoy
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Epidemiology & Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Katherine Mackey
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Anders Herreid-O'Neill
- Oregon Rural Practice Network (ORPRN), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Benjamin J Morasco
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Pilarinos A, Kwa Y, Joe R, Thulien M, Buxton JA, DeBeck K, Fast D. Navigating Opioid Agonist Therapy among Young People who use Illicit Opioids in Vancouver, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 107:103773. [PMID: 35780565 PMCID: PMC9872974 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) has been shown to reduce opioid use and related harms. However, many young people are not accessing OAT. This study sought to explore how young people navigated OAT over time, including periods of engagement, disengagement, and avoidance. METHODS Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted between January 2018 and August 2020 with 56 young people in Vancouver, Canada who reported illicit, intensive heroin and/or fentanyl use. Following the verbatim transcription of longitudinal interviews, an iterative thematic analysis was used to extrapolate key themes. RESULTS Young people contemplating OAT expressed fears about its addictiveness. Many experienced pressure from providers and family members to initiate buprenorphine-naloxone, despite a desire to explore other treatment options such as methadone. Once young people initiated OAT, staying on it was difficult and complicated by daily witnessed dosing requirements and strict rules around repeated missed doses, especially for those receiving methadone. Most young people envisioned tapering off OAT in the not-too-distant future. CONCLUSIONS Findings underscore the importance of working collaboratively with young people to develop treatment plans and timelines, and suggest that OAT engagement and retention among young people could be improved by expanding access to the full range of OAT; updating clinical guidelines to improve access to safer prescription alternatives to the increasingly poisonous, unregulated drug supply; addressing treatment gaps arising from missed doses and take-home dosing; and providing a clear pathway to OAT tapering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Pilarinos
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9; Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, 270-2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Yandi Kwa
- Vancouver Coastal Health, 520 West 6(th) Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 1A1
| | - Ronald Joe
- Vancouver Coastal Health, 520 West 6(th) Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 1A1
| | - Madison Thulien
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9
| | - Jane A Buxton
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Kora DeBeck
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9; School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, 515 West Hastings Street, Suite 3271, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6B 5K3
| | - Danya Fast
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2914 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T1Z3.
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Gomes T, McCormack D, Bozinoff N, Tadrous M, Antoniou T, Munro C, Campbell T, Paterson JM, Mamdani M, Sproule B. Duration of use and outcomes among people with opioid use disorder initiating methadone and buprenorphine in Ontario: a population-based propensity-score matched cohort study. Addiction 2022; 117:1972-1981. [PMID: 35257434 PMCID: PMC9313829 DOI: 10.1111/add.15862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To characterize comparative risks and benefits of methadone versus buprenorphine/naloxone in a contemporary cohort where the unregulated drug supply is dominated by fentanyl. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Population-based propensity-score matched cohort study conducted in Ontario, Canada among people aged 18+ initiating opioid agonist therapy (OAT) for an opioid use disorder between October 2016 and December 2018 (n = 18 880). INTERVENTION Initiation of methadone versus buprenorphine/naloxone. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was opioid overdose (fatal and non-fatal) while on treatment, with secondary outcomes including opioid overdose (first 30 days of treatment), treatment discontinuation, health-care interactions related to treatment of opioid use disorder, receiving a weekly supply of take-home doses and opioid overdose within 30 days of treatment discontinuation. Outcomes were assessed over 1 year. FINDINGS Overall, 7517 people initiating buprenorphine were matched to an equal number of methadone-treated individuals. Risk of opioid overdose while on treatment [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.37-0.68] or within the first 30 days of treatment (HR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.31-0.85) was lower among buprenorphine recipients compared to methadone recipients. In secondary analyses, people initiating buprenorphine had a higher risk of treatment discontinuation within the first year (median time to discontinuation 104 versus 265 days, HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.37-1.49), had lower rates of health-care interactions for OUD (186.4 versus 254.3 per person-year; rate ratio = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.72-0.75), and a higher rate of receiving weekly take-home doses (HR = 2.33; 95% CI = 2.20-2.46). Overdose rates in the period following OAT discontinuation were higher than those observed while on treatment, but did not differ significantly by OAT type. CONCLUSIONS Although treatment retention is higher among methadone recipients, overdose risk is also elevated compared to buprenorphine recipients. These findings demonstrate the benefits of any OAT on avoidance of overdose, particularly following treatment discontinuation and with the increasingly unpredictable drug supply in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Gomes
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada,Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada,ICESTorontoOntarioCanada,Institute for Health Policy, Management and EvaluationUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Nikki Bozinoff
- Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthTorontoOntarioCanada,Department of Family and Community MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Mina Tadrous
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada,ICESTorontoOntarioCanada,Women's College HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Tony Antoniou
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada,ICESTorontoOntarioCanada,Department of Family and Community MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada,Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Charlotte Munro
- Ontario Drug Policy Research Network Lived Experience Advisory GroupSt Michael's HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Tonya Campbell
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - J. Michael Paterson
- ICESTorontoOntarioCanada,Institute for Health Policy, Management and EvaluationUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada,Department of Family MedicineMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Muhammad Mamdani
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada,Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada,ICESTorontoOntarioCanada,Institute for Health Policy, Management and EvaluationUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Beth Sproule
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada,Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthTorontoOntarioCanada,Department of PsychiatryUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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Kandhi S, Chinta S, Urena Neme AP, Victoria Guerrero M, Rodriguez Guerra MA. Acute Hydronephrosis Secondary to Methadone-Induced Constipation. Cureus 2022; 14:e25090. [PMID: 35719767 PMCID: PMC9203249 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid-induced constipation is a significant medical problem accounting for over 40% to 60% of patients without cancer receiving opioids. We report a unique case of a 71-year-old male with a history of opioid use disorder now on methadone maintenance presenting with severe opioid-induced constipation and fecal impaction causing extrinsic compression on the right-sided ureter resulting in right hydronephrosis and hydroureter that improved with aggressive bowel regime with the stool softener, laxatives and enemas. Methadone alone can predispose to hydroureter with hydronephrosis due to external compression from the severe intestinal dilation secondary to opioid-induced constipation.
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Nehlin C, Bäckström J, Brander CW, Öster C. Patients’ Perspectives on Coming Off Opioid Agonist Treatment: A Qualitative Study. Subst Abuse 2022; 16:11782218221107021. [PMID: 35754979 PMCID: PMC9218892 DOI: 10.1177/11782218221107021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) programs are life-saving, as they reduce opioid use, overdoses, and criminal activities. Disadvantages reported with long-term OAT include side effects of the medication, especially on cognitive ability and sexual function, which may discourage potential participants. Many of those who participate in OAT have a desire to come off treatment. The aims of this study were to explore patients’ thoughts about coming off OAT and to investigate their perceptions of what support they would need in order to realize a planned withdrawal from OAT. Methods: A qualitative interview study with semi-structured interviews, using applied thematic analysis. Persons with experiences of participating in OAT were invited from Swedish programs and a private Facebook community. Results: Fifteen persons, with a mean of 9.6 (±6.4) years of treatment experience, were included. The participants underlined the need for a patient-centered focus within the treatment. They wanted to be regarded as capable of deciding if, when, and how a planned ending was to take place. They also called for staff to be supportive in making such decisions. Participants recommended staff to be sensitive to the needs of the specific patient and to have strategies for coming off OAT that could be adjusted for the single person. Conclusions: OAT programs need to be continually updated and adapted to the persons who can benefit from them. Applying a person-centered, holistic perspective would enhance the quality of the treatment by emanating from individual goals. Regulatory guidelines need to take into account research on patient experiences and perspectives on coming off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Nehlin
- Department of Medical Sciences, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Psychiatry, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josefin Bäckström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Psychiatry, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Wollert Brander
- Department of Medical Sciences, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Psychiatry, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Caisa Öster
- Department of Medical Sciences, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Psychiatry, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Bottner R, Weems J, Hill LG, Ziebell C, Long S, Young S, Sasser M, Ferguson A, Tirado C. Addiction Treatment Networks Cannot Withstand Acute Crises: Lessons from 2021 Winter Storm Uri in Texas. NAM Perspect 2021; 2021:202103c. [PMID: 34532696 PMCID: PMC8406583 DOI: 10.31478/202103c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lucas G Hill
- The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
| | | | - Sharon Long
- Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin
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