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. 2021 May-Jun;15(3):187-190.
doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000730.

Buprenorphine Induction in Persons With Opioid Use Disorder Hospitalized with Acute Hepatitis A

Devin A Oller  1 , Chase Thornton, Paul A Nuzzo, Laura C Fanucchi
Affiliations

Buprenorphine Induction in Persons With Opioid Use Disorder Hospitalized with Acute Hepatitis A

Devin A Oller et al. J Addict Med. 2021 May-Jun.

Abstract

Background: It is not known whether buprenorphine/naloxone (bup/nx) can be safely initiated in hospitalized patients with acute hepatitis A infection. We assessed liver function and tolerability of bup/nx induction in patients with acute Hepatitis A Virus (HAV).

Methods: Retrospective review of patients (N = 31) admitted to a tertiary care facility for acute HAV who were evaluated by an addiction medicine consultant.

Results: No significant difference was seen in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, or INR trends in patients receiving bup/nx during hospitalization versus those not receiving bup/nx. Nausea was the most common reported symptom in patients receiving bup/nx.

Discussion and conclusions: With careful monitoring and induction dose adjustment, bup/nx can be administered to patients with acute HAV without hepatic encephalopathy. Similarly, patients on bup/nx before hospitalization should not have this medication held in the setting of acute HAV.

Scientific significance: This strategy may engage patients with acute HAV in treatment of OUD earlier and minimize disruptions in treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interests to disclose.

References

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