Case Series: Limited Opioid Withdrawal With Use of Transdermal Buprenorphine to Bridge to Sublingual Buprenorphine in Hospitalized Patients.

BACKGROUND

Prerequisite opioid withdrawal symptoms prior to buprenorphine induction are unacceptable to many patients. We assessed whether transdermal buprenorphine minimized withdrawal while bridging to sublingual therapy among hospital inpatients.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of (n = 23) inpatients with opioid use disorder or opioid dependence due to chronic pain.

RESULTS

Of 23 inpatients, 65% transitioned without symptoms, while 35% experienced mild withdrawal. Ninety-six percent completed planned hospitalizations, with 83% engaged in treatment 4 weeks post-discharge.

DISCUSSION AND

CONCLUSIONS

Bridging to sublingual therapy with transdermal buprenorphine patches was feasible without withdrawal symptoms.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: This strategy may facilitate buprenorphine therapy in hospital inpatients. (Am J Addict 2019;00:1-4).