Buprenorphine Update and Evolving Standards of Care-View Presentation

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Video Summary

The Buprenorphine Update session, presented by Dr. John Renner, examines the current landscape of opioid addiction and treatment, with a particular focus on the increasing prevalence of opioid-related deaths driven by substances like fentanyl and methamphetamines. Over the past two decades, there has been a marked increase in opioid-related overdose deaths in the United States, initially propelled by Oxycontin and subsequently by heroin. More recently, fentanyl has become the leading cause of these fatalities, with methamphetamines contributing to the problem. <br /><br />Despite these challenges, there is some optimism surrounding the use of buprenorphine in treatment, as evidence suggests that while overall overdose numbers continue to rise, individuals on buprenorphine appear to be somewhat protected from overdose fatalities. The recent regulatory changes, such as the elimination of the buprenorphine waiver and prescribing limits, have not significantly increased the number of people receiving buprenorphine treatment, possibly due to stigma against patients rather than bureaucratic obstacles.<br /><br />Advancements in buprenorphine formulations, including long-acting injectables like sublocade, show promise. These have been labeled as "game-changers" for managing some of the hardest-to-treat patients, allowing stabilization without the improper use of opioids or fear of withdrawal symptoms. The session also explores various induction protocols for buprenorphine, such as micro-dosing and high-dose initiation, and further strategies for chronic pain management in patients undergoing buprenorphine treatment. The segment highlights ongoing efforts and dialogues necessary to address the growing complexities of opioid dependence and enhance care quality and access.

Keywords

Buprenorphine

Opioid addiction

Fentanyl

Methamphetamines

Overdose deaths

Buprenorphine treatment

Regulatory changes

Sublocade

Induction protocols

Chronic pain management

Opioid dependence

Care access