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. 2010 Jul;39(1):51-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2010.04.001.

Factors associated with complicated buprenorphine inductions

Susan D Whitley  1 , Nancy L Sohler, Hillary V Kunins, Angela Giovanniello, Xuan Li, Galit Sacajiu, Chinazo O Cunningham
Affiliations

Factors associated with complicated buprenorphine inductions

Susan D Whitley et al. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2010 Jul.

Abstract

Despite data supporting its efficacy, barriers to implementation of buprenorphine for office-based treatment are present. Complications can occur during buprenorphine inductions, yet few published studies have examined this phase of treatment. To examine factors associated with complications during buprenorphine induction, we conducted a retrospective chart review of the first 107 patients receiving buprenorphine treatment in an urban community health center. The primary outcome, defined as complicated induction (precipitated or protracted withdrawal), was observed in 18 (16.8%) patients. Complicated inductions were associated with poorer treatment retention (than routine inductions) and decreased over time. Factors independently associated with complicated inductions included recent use of prescribed methadone, recent benzodiazepine use, no prior experience with buprenorphine, and a low initial dose of buprenorphine/naloxone. Findings from this study and further investigation of patient characteristics and treatment characteristics associated with complicated inductions can help guide buprenorphine treatment strategies.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: Dr. Whitley has served as a speaker for Reckitt Benckiser. All other authors have no conflict of interest.

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