Outpatient Low-Dose Initiation of Buprenorphine for People Using Fentanyl.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

The rise of high-potency opioids such as fentanyl makes buprenorphine initiation challenging due to the risks of precipitated withdrawal, prompting the exploration of strategies, such as low-dose initiation (LDI) of buprenorphine. However, no comparative studies on LDI outcomes exist.

Objective

To evaluate outpatient outcomes associated with 2 LDI protocols of buprenorphine among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) using fentanyl.

Design, setting, and participants

This cohort study analyzed data on adults with OUD who self-reported daily fentanyl use and underwent buprenorphine initiation using LDI. Data were extracted from the electronic health records of 2 substance use disorder treatment clinics using a specialty behavioral health pharmacy in San

SUBMITTER: Suen LW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11762237 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature