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Steiger S, McCuistian C, Suen LW, Shapiro B, Tompkins DA, Bazazi AR. Induction to Methadone 80 mg in the First Week of Treatment of Patients Who Use Fentanyl: A Case Series From an Outpatient Opioid Treatment Program. J Addict Med 2024:01271255-990000000-00364. [PMID: 39150067 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Current guidelines for methadone titration may unnecessarily delay reaching effective doses for patients using fentanyl, resulting in an increased risk of ongoing fentanyl use, dissatisfaction with treatment, and early dropout. Development and evaluation of rapid methadone induction protocols may improve treatment for patients using fentanyl. METHODS Retrospective chart review was conducted for patients admitted in 2022 to a single licensed opioid treatment program (OTP) where a rapid induction protocol provides methadone 40 mg on day 1, 60 mg on day 2, and 80 mg on day 3 to patients using fentanyl <65 years old without significant medical comorbidities. The primary feasibility outcome was completion of the protocol, defined by receipt of methadone dose 80 mg or more on treatment day 7. The primary safety outcomes were oversedation, nonfatal overdose, and death. A secondary outcome was retention in treatment at 30 days. RESULTS Rapid induction was ordered for 93 patients and completed by 65 (70%). Average dose on day 7 for patients who completed was 89 mg (SD 9.5 mg) versus 49 mg (SD 14.0 mg) for those who did not. No episodes of oversedation, nonfatal overdose, or death were observed. At 30 days, 85% of the patients who had the rapid protocol ordered (79/93) were retained, with 88% (57/65) who completed the protocol retained versus 79% (22/28) who did not complete (OR 1.9, 95% CI 0.6-6.2). CONCLUSIONS Rapid induction to methadone 80 mg by day 7 was feasible for outpatients using fentanyl in this study at a single OTP. No significant safety events were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Steiger
- From the Division of General Internal Medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (SS, LWS); and Division of Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (SS, CMC, BS, DAT, ARB)
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Jalali A. Informing evidence-based medicine for opioid use disorder using pharmacoeconomic studies. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2024; 24:599-611. [PMID: 38696161 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2024.2350561] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The health and economic consequences of inadequately treated opioid use disorder (OUD) are substantial. Healthcare systems in the United States (US) and other countries are facing a growing healthcare crisis due to opioids. Although effective medications for OUD exist, relying solely on clinical information is insufficient for addressing the opioid crisis. AREAS COVERED In this review, the role of pharmacoeconomic studies in informing evidence-based medication treatment for OUD is discussed, with a particular emphasis on the US healthcare system, where the economic burden is significantly higher than the global average. The scope/objective of pharmacoeconomics as a distinct scientific research program is briefly defined, followed by a discussion of existing evidence informed by data from systematic reviews, in addition to a convenience sample of recently published pharmacoeconomic studies and protocols. The review also explores the need for methodological advancements in the field. EXPERT OPINION Despite the potential of pharmacoeconomic research in shaping evidence-based medicine for OUD, significant challenges limiting its real-world application remain. How to address these challenges are explored, including how to combine cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses to address the needs of the healthcare system as a whole and specific stakeholders interested in adopting new OUD treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jalali
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Comparative Effectiveness & Outcomes Research, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
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Englander H, Thakrar AP, Bagley SM, Rolley T, Dong K, Hyshka E. Caring for Hospitalized Adults With Opioid Use Disorder in the Era of Fentanyl: A Review. JAMA Intern Med 2024; 184:691-701. [PMID: 38683591 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.7282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Importance The rise of fentanyl and other high-potency synthetic opioids across US and Canada has been associated with increasing hospitalizations and unprecedented overdose deaths. Hospitalization is a critical touchpoint to engage patients and offer life-saving opioid use disorder (OUD) care when admitted for OUD or other medical conditions. Observations Clinical best practices include managing acute withdrawal and pain, initiating medication for OUD, integrating harm reduction principles and practices, addressing in-hospital substance use, and supporting hospital-to-community care transitions. Fentanyl complicates hospital OUD care. Fentanyl's high potency intensifies pain, withdrawal, and cravings and increases the risk for overdose and other harms. Fentanyl's unique pharmacology has rendered traditional techniques for managing opioid withdrawal and initiating buprenorphine and methadone inadequate for some patients, necessitating novel strategies. Further, co-use of opioids with stimulants drugs is common, and the opioid supply is unpredictable and can be contaminated with benzodiazepines, xylazine, and other substances. To address these challenges, clinicians are increasingly relying on emerging practices, such as low-dose buprenorphine initiation with opioid continuation, rapid methadone titration, and the use of alternative opioid agonists. Hospitals must also reconsider conventional approaches to in-hospital substance use and expand clinicians' understanding and embrace of harm reduction, which is a philosophy and set of practical strategies that supports people who use drugs to be safer and healthier without judgment, coercion, or discrimination. Hospital-to-community care transitions should ensure uninterrupted access to OUD care after discharge, which requires special consideration and coordination. Finally, improving hospital-based addiction care requires dedicated infrastructure and expertise. Preparing hospitals across the US and Canada to deliver OUD best practices requires investments in clinical champions, staff education, leadership commitment, community partnerships, quality metrics, and financing. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this review indicate that fentanyl creates increased urgency and new challenges for hospital OUD care. Hospital clinicians and systems have a central role in addressing the current drug crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honora Englander
- Section of Addiction Medicine in General Internal Medicine and the Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
| | - Ashish P Thakrar
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Sarah M Bagley
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Kathryn Dong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elaine Hyshka
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Weber AN, Trebach J, Brenner MA, Thomas MM, Bormann NL. Managing Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms During the Fentanyl Crisis: A Review. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2024; 15:59-71. [PMID: 38623317 PMCID: PMC11016949 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s433358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is a significant contributor to the increasing rates of overdose-related deaths. Its high potency and lipophilicity can complicate opioid withdrawal syndromes (OWS) and the subsequent management of opioid use disorder (OUD). This scoping review aimed to collate the current OWS management of study populations seeking treatment for OWS and/or OUD directly from an unregulated opioid supply, such as IMF. Therefore, the focus was on therapeutic interventions published between January 2010 and November 2023, overlapping with the period of increasing IMF exposure. A health science librarian conducted a systematic search on November 13, 2023. A total of 426 studies were screened, and 173 studies were reviewed at the full-text level. Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Buprenorphine and naltrexone were included in most studies with the goal of transitioning to a long-acting injectable version. Various augmenting agents were tested (buspirone, memantine, suvorexant, gabapentin, and pregabalin); however, the liberal use of adjunctive medication and shortened timelines to initiation had the most consistently positive results. Outside of FDA-approved medications for OUD, lofexidine, gabapentin, and suvorexant have limited evidence for augmenting opioid agonist initiation. Trials often have low retention rates, particularly when opioid agonist washout is required. Neurostimulation strategies were promising; however, they were developed and studied early. Precipitated withdrawal is a concern; however, the rates were low and adequately mitigated or managed with low- or high-dose buprenorphine induction. Maintenance treatment continues to be superior to detoxification without continued management. Shorter induction protocols allow patients to initiate evidence-based treatment more quickly, reducing the use of illicit or non-prescribed substances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua Trebach
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Marielle A Brenner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Nicholas L Bormann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Jones BLH, Geier M, Neuhaus J, Coffin PO, Snyder HR, Soran CS, Knight KR, Suen LW. Withdrawal during outpatient low dose buprenorphine initiation in people who use fentanyl: a retrospective cohort study. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:80. [PMID: 38594721 PMCID: PMC11005253 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00998-9] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Buprenorphine is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD); however, buprenorphine initiation can be complicated by withdrawal symptoms including precipitated withdrawal. There has been increasing interest in using low dose initiation (LDI) strategies to reduce this withdrawal risk. As there are limited data on withdrawal symptoms during LDI, we characterize withdrawal symptoms in people with daily fentanyl use who underwent initiation using these strategies as outpatients. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with OUD using daily fentanyl who were prescribed 7-day or 4-day LDI at 2 substance use disorder treatment clinics in San Francisco. Two addiction medicine experts assessed extracted chart documentation for withdrawal severity and precipitated withdrawal, defined as acute worsening of withdrawal symptoms immediately after taking buprenorphine. A third expert adjudicated disagreements. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS There were 175 initiations in 126 patients. The mean age was 37 (SD 10 years). 71% were men, 26% women, and 2% non-binary. 21% identified as Black, 16% Latine, and 52% white. 60% were unstably housed and 75% had Medicaid insurance. Substance co-use included 74% who used amphetamines, 29% cocaine, 22% benzodiazepines, and 19% alcohol. Follow up was available for 118 (67%) initiations. There was deviation from protocol instructions in 22% of these initiations with follow up. 31% had any withdrawal, including 21% with mild symptoms, 8% moderate and 2% severe. Precipitated withdrawal occurred in 10 cases, or 8% of initiations with follow up. Of these, 7 had deviation from protocol instructions; thus, there were 3 cases with follow up (3%) in which precipitated withdrawal occurred without protocol deviation. CONCLUSIONS Withdrawal was relatively common in our cohort but was mostly mild, and precipitated withdrawal was rare. Deviation from instructions, structural barriers, and varying fentanyl use characteristics may contribute to withdrawal. Clinicians should counsel patients who use fentanyl that mild withdrawal symptoms are likely during LDI, and there is still a low risk for precipitated withdrawal. Future studies should compare withdrawal across initiation types, seek ways to support patients in initiating buprenorphine, and qualitatively elicit patients' withdrawal experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L H Jones
- Medical Student Center, UCSF School of Medicine, 533 Parnassus Avenue, S-245, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Michelle Geier
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, 101 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, USA
| | - John Neuhaus
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Phillip O Coffin
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, 101 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Hannah R Snyder
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 995 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Christine S Soran
- Division of General Internal Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
- Division of Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Kelly R Knight
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Leslie W Suen
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
- Division of Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
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Stern SJ, D’Orazio JL, Work BD, Calcaterra SL, Thakrar AP. Point/counterpoint: Should full agonist opioid medications be offered to hospitalized patients for management of opioid withdrawal? J Hosp Med 2024; 19:339-343. [PMID: 38030816 PMCID: PMC10987259 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sam J. Stern
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Center for Urban Bioethics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joseph L. D’Orazio
- Cooper Center for Healing, Camden, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Toxicology and Addiction Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Brian D. Work
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Prevention Point Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Susan L. Calcaterra
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ashish P. Thakrar
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Crouch TB, Donovan E, Smith WR, Barth K, Becker WC, Svikis D. Patient Motivation to Reduce or Discontinue Opioids for Chronic Pain: Self-efficacy, Barriers, and Readiness to Change. Clin J Pain 2024; 40:18-25. [PMID: 37855333 PMCID: PMC10841444 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess levels and predictors of self-efficacy and motivation to change opioid use among a community sample of patients using opioids for chronic pain, as well as patient-reported barriers to pursuing opioid discontinuation. METHODS Participants with a variety of chronic pain conditions, recruited from ResearchMatch.org , completed a battery of electronic, self-report questionnaires assessing demographic and medical characteristics, pain treatment history, and levels of readiness, self-efficacy, and other attitudes toward reducing or discontinuing opioid use. Multiple regression analyses and analyses of variance were conducted to examine predictors of readiness and self-efficacy to change opioid use. A modified version of rapid qualitative analysis was utilized to analyze themes in participant responses to an open-ended item about "what it would take" to consider opioid discontinuation. RESULTS The final sample included N=119 participants, the majority of whom were female (78.2%), Caucasian (77.3%), and well-educated. Readiness and self-efficacy to decrease or stop opioid use were fairly low on a 0 to 10 Visual Analog Scale (2.6 to 3.8) and significantly higher to decrease than stop ( P <0.01). Higher readiness to change was predicted by lower pain severity and higher concern about opioids, whereas higher self-efficacy was predicted by shorter pain duration. Results from the qualitative analyses revealed that the availability of an alternative treatment option was the most commonly cited requirement to consider opioid discontinuation. DISCUSSION Patients with lower pain severity, shorter duration of pain, and higher concerns about opioids may be a prime target from a motivation standpoint for interventions addressing opioid tapering and discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Donovan
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Wally R Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
| | - Kelly Barth
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - William C Becker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, New Haven, CT
| | - Dace Svikis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Institute for Women's Health
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
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Arnouk S, Wunderlich JR, Sidelnik SA. Evaluation of Low-dose Buprenorphine Initiation With Buprenorphine Buccal Films in Hospitalized Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Addict Med 2024; 18:42-47. [PMID: 37847570 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Low-dose buprenorphine initiation (LDBI) strategies to transition patients from full opioid agonists to buprenorphine have previously been described using sublingual films, intravenous solution, transdermal patches, and, more recently, buccal films. The objective of this study was to describe the effectiveness of LDBI using novel titration schedules with buccal films. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) or physiologic dependence to opioids who underwent LDBI with buprenorphine buccal films at NYU Langone Health. Two LDBI protocols were evaluated, including a short titration schedule over 4 days and a long schedule over 7 days. The primary outcomes of interest included LDBI completion rates and incidence of opioid withdrawal. RESULTS Forty-two patients underwent 46 LDBIs at NYU Langone Health between October 2020 and April 2022. The cohort comprised patients with OUD (57%), chronic pain with OUD (33%), and chronic pain without OUD (10%). Indications for LDBI most commonly included co-occurring pain precluding discontinuation of full opioid agonists (72%), prior history of precipitated withdrawal (30%), and methadone use (23%). The overall completion rate of LDBI was 78%. Withdrawal was encountered in 33% of patients; however, only 2 patients required LDBI discontinuation as a result. On multivariate analysis, a diagnosis of OUD was independently associated with withdrawal during LDBI. CONCLUSIONS Buprenorphine buccal films can successfully be used off-label to facilitate LDBI in the hospital setting. We present 4- and 7-day titration protocols, which were well-tolerated, and provide practical considerations for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Arnouk
- From the Department of Pharmacy, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY (SA); Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA (JRW); Department of Psychiatry, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY (SAS)
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Weimer MB, Herring AA, Kawasaki SS, Meyer M, Kleykamp BA, Ramsey KS. ASAM Clinical Considerations: Buprenorphine Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder for Individuals Using High-potency Synthetic Opioids. J Addict Med 2023; 17:632-639. [PMID: 37934520 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) with buprenorphine has evolved considerably in the last decade as the scale of the OUD epidemic has increased along with the emergence of high-potency synthetic opioids (HPSOs) and stimulants in the drug supply. These changes have outpaced the development of prospective research, so a clinical consideration document based on expert consensus is needed to address pressing clinical questions. This clinical considerations document is based on a narrative literature review and expert consensus and will specifically address considerations for changes to the clinical practice of treatment of OUD with buprenorphine for individuals using HPSO. An expert panel developed 6 key questions addressing buprenorphine initiation, stabilization, and long-term treatment for individuals with OUD exposed to HPSO in various treatment settings. Broadly, the clinical considerations suggest that individualized strategies for buprenorphine initiation may be needed. The experience of opioid withdrawal negatively impacts the success of buprenorphine treatment, and attention to its management before and during buprenorphine initiation should be proactively addressed. Buprenorphine dose and dosing frequency should be individualized based on patients' treatment needs, the possibility of novel components in the drug supply should be considered during OUD treatment, and all forms of opioid agonist treatment should be offered and considered for patients. Together, these clinical considerations attempt to be responsive to the challenges and opportunities experienced by frontline clinicians using buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD in patients using HPSOs and highlight areas where prospective research is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa B Weimer
- From the Yale School of Medicine, Program in Addiction Medicine, New Haven, CT (MBW); Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT (MBW); Division of Addiction Medicine, Highland Hospital-Alameda Health System, Oakland, CA (AAH); Department of Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, Penn State Health, Hershey, PA (SSK); University of Vermont, Burlington, VT (MM); BAK and Associates, Baltimore, MD (BAK); NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), Albany, NY (KSR)
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Jones KF, Broglio K, Ho JJ, Rosa WE. Compassionate Care for People with Cancer and Opioid Use Disorder. Am J Nurs 2023; 123:56-61. [PMID: 37498041 PMCID: PMC10619200 DOI: 10.1097/01.naj.0000947480.74410.06] [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: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Opioid use disorder (OUD) is an important comorbidity to assess and manage in people with cancer. In this article, the authors discuss strategies for safe opioid management in individuals with OUD and cancer-related pain using a composite case example. They highlight core approaches to pain management, including motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and evidence-based treatments, as well as advocacy for person-centered end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Fitzgerald Jones
- Katie Fitzgerald Jones is a palliative and addiction NP and researcher in the VA Boston Healthcare System. Kathleen Broglio is associate professor of medicine in the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH. J. Janet Ho is a palliative and addiction medicine physician at the University of California, San Francisco. William E. Rosa is assistant attending behavioral scientist, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City. Contact author: Katie Fitzgerald Jones, . The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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Adams KK, Cohen SM, Guerra ME, Weimer MB. Low-dose Initiation of Buprenorphine in Hospitalized Patients Using Buccal Buprenorphine: A Case Series. J Addict Med 2023; 17:474-476. [PMID: 37579114 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a low-dose buprenorphine initiation strategy with buccal buprenorphine. METHODS This is a case series of hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and/or chronic pain who underwent low-dose buprenorphine initiation with buccal buprenorphine to sublingual buprenorphine. Results are descriptively reported. RESULTS Forty-five patients underwent low-dose buprenorphine initiation from January 2020 to July 2021. Twenty-two (49%) patients had OUD only, 5 (11%) patients had chronic pain only, and 18 (40%) patients had both OUD and chronic pain. Thirty-six (80%) patients had documented history of heroin or non-prescribed fentanyl use before admission. Acute pain in 34 (76%) patients was the most commonly documented rationale for low-dose buprenorphine initiation. Methadone was the most common outpatient opioid utilized before admission (53%). The addiction medicine service consulted on 44 (98%) cases and median length of stay was approximately 2 weeks. Thirty-six (80%) patients completed the transition to sublingual buprenorphine with a median completion dose of 16 mg daily. Of the 24 patients (53%) with consistently documented Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale scores, no patients experienced severe opioid withdrawal. Fifteen (62.5%) experienced mild or moderate withdrawal and 9 (37.5%) experienced no withdrawal (Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale score <5) during the entire process. Continuity of postdischarge prescription refills ranged from 0 to 37 weeks and the median number of buprenorphine refills was 7 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose buprenorphine initiation with buccal buprenorphine to sublingual buprenorphine was well tolerated and can be safely and effectively utilized for patients whose clinical scenario precludes traditional buprenorphine initiation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen K Adams
- From the Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy (KKA); Program in Addiction Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine (SMC, MBW); and Department of Pharmacy Services, Yale New Haven Hospital Pharmacy Services (MEG)
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12
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Thakrar AP, Faude S, Perrone J, Milone MC, Lowenstein M, Snider CK, Spadaro A, Delgado MK, Nelson LS, Kilaru AS. Association of Urine Fentanyl Concentration With Severity of Opioid Withdrawal Among Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department. J Addict Med 2023; 17:447-453. [PMID: 37579106 PMCID: PMC10440418 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001155] [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: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Fentanyl is involved in most US drug overdose deaths and its use can complicate opioid withdrawal management. Clinical applications of quantitative urine fentanyl testing have not been demonstrated previously. The aim of this study was to determine whether urine fentanyl concentration is associated with severity of opioid withdrawal. DESIGN This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING This study was conducted in 3 emergency departments in an urban, academic health system from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. PARTICIPANTS This study included patients with opioid use disorder, detectable urine fentanyl or norfentanyl, and Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) recorded within 6 hours of urine drug testing. MEASUREMENTS The primary exposure was urine fentanyl concentration stratified as high (>400 ng/mL), medium (40-399 ng/mL), or low (<40 ng/mL). The primary outcome was opioid withdrawal severity measured with COWS within 6 hours before or after urine specimen collection. We used a generalized linear model with γ distribution and log-link function to estimate the adjusted association between COWS and the exposures. FINDINGS For the 1127 patients in our sample, the mean age (SD) was 40.0 (10.7), 384 (34.1%) identified as female, 332 (29.5%) reported their race/ethnicity as non-Hispanic Black, and 658 (58.4%) reported their race/ethnicity as non-Hispanic White. For patients with high urine fentanyl concentrations, the adjusted mean COWS (95% confidence interval) was 4.4 (3.9-4.8) compared with 5.5 (5.1-6.0) among those with medium and 7.7 (6.8-8.7) among those with low fentanyl concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Lower urine fentanyl concentration was associated with more severe opioid withdrawal, suggesting potential clinical applications for quantitative urine measurements in evolving approaches to fentanyl withdrawal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish P. Thakrar
- Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Sophia Faude
- Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health
| | - Jeanmarie Perrone
- Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
- Center for Emergency Care Policy and Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Michael C. Milone
- Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Margaret Lowenstein
- Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Christopher K. Snider
- Penn Medicine Center for Health Care Innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Anthony Spadaro
- Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
- Center for Emergency Care Policy and Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - M. Kit Delgado
- Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
- Center for Emergency Care Policy and Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Lewis S. Nelson
- Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
| | - Austin S. Kilaru
- Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
- Center for Emergency Care Policy and Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
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13
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Seval N, Nunez J, Roth PMD, Meredith S, Strong M, Frank CA, Litwin AH, Levin FR, Brady KT, Nunes EV, Springer SA. Inpatient Low-dose Transitions From Full Agonist Opioids Including Methadone Onto Long-acting Depot Buprenorphine: Case Series From a Multicenter Clinical Trial. J Addict Med 2023; 17:e232-e239. [PMID: 37579095 PMCID: PMC10368784 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001136] [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: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) suffer disproportionately from morbidity and mortality related to serious addiction-related infections requiring hospitalization. Long-acting buprenorphine (LAB) is an underused medication for OUD that may facilitate linkage to care and treatment retention when administered before hospital discharge. Transition onto buprenorphine in the inpatient setting is often complicated by pain, active infection management, potential surgical interventions, and risk of opioid withdrawal in transition from full agonists to a partial agonist. METHODS The COMMIT Trial is a randomized controlled trial evaluating LAB administered by infectious disease physicians and hospitalists compared with treatment as usual for persons with OUD hospitalized with infections. We report a case series of participants on full agonist opioids including methadone who were transitioned to sublingual buprenorphine using low-dose ( microdosing ) strategies followed by LAB injection. RESULTS Seven participants with current opioid use disorder and life-threatening infections, all with significant concurrent pain and many requiring surgical intervention, underwent low-dose transitions starting at buccal buprenorphine doses ranging from 225 μg to 300 μg 3 times a day on the first day. All were well tolerated with average time to LAB injection of 7.5 days (range, 5-10 days). CONCLUSIONS Inpatient low-dose buprenorphine transition from full agonist opioids including methadone onto LAB is feasible even in those with complex hospitalizations for concurrent infections and/or surgery. This strategy facilitates dosing of LAB before hospital discharge when risk of opioid relapse and overdose are significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Seval
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease. Yale AIDS Program. New Haven, CT
| | - Johnathan Nunez
- Penn State Hershey College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Department of Medicine. Hershey, PA
| | - Prerana MD Roth
- Prisma Health, Department of Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine Center, Greenville, SC
| | - Schade Meredith
- Penn State Hershey College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Department of Medicine. Hershey, PA
| | - Michelle Strong
- Prisma Health, Department of Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine Center, Greenville, SC
| | - Cynthia A. Frank
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease. Yale AIDS Program. New Haven, CT
| | - Alain H. Litwin
- Prisma Health, Department of Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine Center, Greenville, SC
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville, Greenville, SC
| | - Frances R. Levin
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and New York State Psychiatric Institute
| | - Kathleen T. Brady
- Medical University of South Carolina, Clinical Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Charleston, SC
| | - Edward V. Nunes
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville, Greenville, SC
| | - Sandra A. Springer
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease. Yale AIDS Program. New Haven, CT
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14
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Ho JJ, Jones KF, Merlin JS, Sager Z, Childers J. Buprenorphine Initiation: Low-Dose Methods #457. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:867-869. [PMID: 37276524 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
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15
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Thakrar AP, Uritsky TJ, Christopher C, Winston A, Ronning K, Sigueza AL, Caputo A, McFadden R, Olenik JM, Perrone J, Delgado MK, Lowenstein M, Compton P. Safety and preliminary outcomes of short-acting opioid agonist treatment (sOAT) for hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:13. [PMID: 36829242 PMCID: PMC9951406 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00368-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) frequently leave the hospital as patient directed discharges (PDDs) because of untreated withdrawal and pain. Short-acting opioids can complement methadone, buprenorphine, and non-opioid adjuvants for withdrawal and pain, however little evidence exists for this approach. We described the safety and preliminary outcomes of short-acting opioid agonist treatment (sOAT) for hospitalized patients with OUD at an academic hospital in Philadelphia, PA. METHODS From August 2021 to March 2022, a pharmacist guided implementation of a pilot sOAT protocol consisting of escalating doses of oxycodone or oral hydromorphone scheduled every four hours, intravenous hydromorphone as needed, and non-opioid adjuvants for withdrawal and pain. All patients were encouraged to start methadone or buprenorphine treatment for OUD. We abstracted data from the electronic health record into a secure platform. The primary outcome was safety: administration of naloxone, over-sedation, or a fall. Secondary outcomes were PDDs and respective length of stay (LOS), discharges on methadone or buprenorphine, and discharges with naloxone. We compared secondary outcomes to hospitalizations in the 12 months prior to the index hospitalization among the same cohort. RESULTS Of the 23 cases, 13 (56.5%) were female, 19 (82.6%) were 40 years or younger, and 22 (95.7%) identified as White. Twenty-one (91.3%) regularly injected opioids and four (17.3%) were enrolled in methadone or buprenorphine prior to hospitalization. sOAT was administered at median doses of 200-320 morphine milligram equivalents per 24-h period. Naloxone administration was documented once in the operating room, over-sedation was documented once after unsanctioned opioid use, and there were no falls. The PDD rate was 44% with median LOS 5 days (compared to PDD rate 69% with median LOS 3 days for prior admissions), 65% of sOAT cases were discharged on buprenorphine or methadone (compared to 33% for prior admissions), and 65% of sOAT cases were discharged with naloxone (compared to 19% for prior admissions). CONCLUSIONS Pilot implementation of sOAT was safe. Compared to prior admissions in the same cohort, the PDD rate was lower, LOS for PDDs was longer, and more patients were discharged on buprenorphine or methadone and with naloxone, however efficacy for these secondary outcomes remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish P Thakrar
- National Clinician Scholars Program at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
- Center for Addiction Medicine & Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
| | - Tanya J Uritsky
- Center for Addiction Medicine & Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Cara Christopher
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Anna Winston
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Kaitlin Ronning
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Anna Lee Sigueza
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Anne Caputo
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Rachel McFadden
- Center for Addiction Medicine & Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jennifer M Olenik
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jeanmarie Perrone
- Center for Addiction Medicine & Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - M Kit Delgado
- Center for Addiction Medicine & Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Margaret Lowenstein
- Center for Addiction Medicine & Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Peggy Compton
- Center for Addiction Medicine & Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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16
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Englander H, Gregg J, Levander XA. Envisioning Minimally Disruptive Opioid Use Disorder Care. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:799-803. [PMID: 36401107 PMCID: PMC9676870 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07939-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Most people who need and want treatment for opioid addiction cannot access it. Among those who do get treatment, only a fraction receive evidence-based, life-saving medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). MOUD access is not simply a matter of needing more clinicians or expanding existing treatment capacity. Instead, many facets of our health systems and policies create unwarranted, inflexible, and punitive practices that create life-threatening barriers to care. In the USA, opioid use disorder care is maximally disruptive. Minimally disruptive medicine (MDM) is a framework that focuses on achieving patient goals while imposing the smallest possible burden on patients' lives. Using MDM framing, we highlight how current medical practices and policies worsen the burden of treatment and illness, compound life demands, and strain resources. We then offer suggestions for programmatic and policy changes that would reduce disruption to the lives of those seeking care, improve health care quality and delivery, begin to address disparities and inequities, and save lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honora Englander
- Section of Addiction Medicine in Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA. .,Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | | | - Ximena A Levander
- Section of Addiction Medicine in Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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17
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Neale KJ, Weimer MB, Davis MP, Jones KF, Kullgren JG, Kale SS, Childers J, Broglio K, Merlin JS, Peck S, Francis SY, Bango J, Jones CA, Sager Z, Ho JJ. Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Buprenorphine. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:120-130. [PMID: 36067137 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain management in palliative care (PC) is becoming more complex as patients survive longer with life-limiting illnesses and population-wide trends involving opioid misuse become more common in serious illness. Buprenorphine, a generally safe partial mu-opioid receptor agonist, has been shown to be effective for both pain management and opioid use disorder. It is critical that PC clinicians become comfortable with indications for its use, strategies for initiation while understanding risks and benefits. This article, written by a team of PC and addiction-trained specialists, including physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and a pharmacist, offers 10 tips to demystify buprenorphine use in serious illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Neale
- The Lois U and Harry R Horvitz Palliative Medicine Program, Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Melissa B Weimer
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mellar P Davis
- Department of Palliative Care, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Justin G Kullgren
- Palliative Medicine Clinical Pharmacy, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sachin S Kale
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Julie Childers
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kathleen Broglio
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Collaboratory for Implementation Sciences at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jessica S Merlin
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics and Palliative Research Center, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah Peck
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Emory University Healthcare Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sheria Y Francis
- Collaborative Care Management, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Shadyside, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Christopher A Jones
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zachary Sager
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J Janet Ho
- Division of Palliative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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18
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Dowell D, Ragan KR, Jones CM, Baldwin GT, Chou R. CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain - United States, 2022. MMWR Recomm Rep 2022; 71:1-95. [PMID: 36327391 PMCID: PMC9639433 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7103a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 457] [Impact Index Per Article: 228.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This guideline provides recommendations for clinicians providing pain care, including those prescribing opioids, for outpatients aged ≥18 years. It updates the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain - United States, 2016 (MMWR Recomm Rep 2016;65[No. RR-1]:1-49) and includes recommendations for managing acute (duration of <1 month), subacute (duration of 1-3 months), and chronic (duration of >3 months) pain. The recommendations do not apply to pain related to sickle cell disease or cancer or to patients receiving palliative or end-of-life care. The guideline addresses the following four areas: 1) determining whether or not to initiate opioids for pain, 2) selecting opioids and determining opioid dosages, 3) deciding duration of initial opioid prescription and conducting follow-up, and 4) assessing risk and addressing potential harms of opioid use. CDC developed the guideline using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Recommendations are based on systematic reviews of the scientific evidence and reflect considerations of benefits and harms, patient and clinician values and preferences, and resource allocation. CDC obtained input from the Board of Scientific Counselors of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (a federally chartered advisory committee), the public, and peer reviewers. CDC recommends that persons with pain receive appropriate pain treatment, with careful consideration of the benefits and risks of all treatment options in the context of the patient's circumstances. Recommendations should not be applied as inflexible standards of care across patient populations. This clinical practice guideline is intended to improve communication between clinicians and patients about the benefits and risks of pain treatments, including opioid therapy; improve the effectiveness and safety of pain treatment; mitigate pain; improve function and quality of life for patients with pain; and reduce risks associated with opioid pain therapy, including opioid use disorder, overdose, and death.
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K K A, E J M, D M S. Factors that distinguish opioid withdrawal during induction with buprenorphine microdosing: a configurational analysis. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:55. [PMID: 36195895 PMCID: PMC9531395 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00336-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel buprenorphine dosing strategies have emerged with an aim to transition patients from opioid agonists to buprenorphine without prerequisite opioid withdrawal. We applied a configurational approach to a subset of data from our earlier systematic review to answer the following question: when patients received a buprenorphine initiation strategy aimed to eliminate prerequisite withdrawal, what factors consistently distinguished patients that experienced withdrawal during the initiation process from patients that did not? METHODS From the 24 cases identified by our systematic review, we included cases that were treated using buprenorphine microdosing strategies (oral or transdermal), cases with opioid use disorder, and cases that fully transitioned to buprenorphine without continuing the full opioid agonist. Configurational analysis was used to identify combinations of patient and regimen level factors that uniquely distinguished cases experiencing withdrawal during induction. RESULT Fourteen cases were included in our analysis, of which 9 experienced opioid withdrawal symptoms. Three factors were involved in explaining both the presence and absence of withdrawal symptoms: history of heroin use, history of methadone use, and duration of overlap between buprenorphine and the full opioid agonist during induction. For the presence of withdrawal symptoms, the addition of a fourth factor "buprenorphine starting dose" resulted in a model with perfect consistency and coverage; for the absence of withdrawal symptoms, the addition of a fourth factor "induction duration" similarly resulted in a model with perfect consistency and 80% coverage. CONCLUSION Application of configurational methods allowed synthesis of case reports identified through a systematic review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adams K K
- University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, 69 N Eagleville Rd Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Miech E J
- Regenstrief Institute, Center for Health Services Research, IN, USA
| | - Sobieraj D M
- University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, 69 N Eagleville Rd Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
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20
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Calcaterra SL, Bottner R, Martin M, Englander H, Weinstein ZM, Weimer MB, Lambert E, Ronan MV, Huerta S, Zaman T, Ullal M, Peterkin AF, Torres-Lockhart K, Buresh M, O’Brien MT, Snyder H, Herzig SJ. Management of opioid use disorder, opioid withdrawal, and opioid overdose prevention in hospitalized adults: A systematic review of existing guidelines. J Hosp Med 2022; 17:679-692. [PMID: 35880821 PMCID: PMC9474657 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalizations related to the consequences of opioid use are rising. National guidelines directing in-hospital opioid use disorder (OUD) management do not exist. OUD treatment guidelines intended for other treatment settings could inform in-hospital OUD management. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the quality and content of existing guidelines for OUD treatment and management. DATA SOURCES OVID MEDLINE, PubMed, Ovid PsychINFO, EBSCOhost CINHAL, ERCI Guidelines Trust, websites of relevant societies and advocacy organizations, and selected international search engines. STUDY SELECTION Guidelines published between January 2010 to June 2020 addressing OUD treatment, opioid withdrawal management, opioid overdose prevention, and care transitions among adults. DATA EXTRACTION We assessed quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. DATA SYNTHESIS Nineteen guidelines met the selection criteria. Most recommendations were based on observational studies or expert consensus. Guidelines recommended the use of nonstigmatizing language among patients with OUD; to assess patients with unhealthy opioid use for OUD using the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Diseases-5th Edition criteria; use of methadone or buprenorphine to treat OUD and opioid withdrawal; use of multimodal, nonopioid therapy, and when needed, short-acting opioid analgesics in addition to buprenorphine or methadone, for acute pain management; ensuring linkage to ongoing methadone or buprenorphine treatment; referring patients to psychosocial treatment; and ensuring access to naloxone for opioid overdose reversal. CONCLUSIONS Included guidelines were informed by studies with various levels of rigor and quality. Future research should systematically study buprenorphine and methadone initiation and titration among people using fentanyl and people with pain, especially during hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L. Calcaterra
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard Bottner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Marlene Martin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Honora Englander
- Section of Addiction Medicine and Division of Hospital Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Zoe M. Weinstein
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Eugene Lambert
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA and Massachusetts General Hospital, Medicine, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Matthew V. Ronan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA and Massachusetts General Hospital, Medicine, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, MA, USA
| | - Sergio Huerta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, NM, USA
| | - Tauheed Zaman
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Monish Ullal
- Department of Internal Medicine at Highland Hospital, Alameda Health System, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Alyssa F. Peterkin
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Megan Buresh
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meghan T. O’Brien
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hannah Snyder
- Family Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shoshana J. Herzig
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA and Massachusetts General Hospital, Medicine, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Thakrar AP, Kleinman RA. Opioid withdrawal management in the fentanyl era. Addiction 2022; 117:2560-2561. [PMID: 35373864 DOI: 10.1111/add.15893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashish P Thakrar
- National Clinician Scholars Program at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.,Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert A Kleinman
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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