Induction of opioid-dependent individuals onto buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone soluble-films

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2011 Mar;89(3):443-9. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2010.352. Epub 2011 Jan 26.

Abstract

A sublingual soluble-film formulation of buprenorphine/naloxone (B/N) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of opioid dependency. This preparation provides unit-dose, child-resistant packaging amenable to tracking and accountability, offers more rapid dissolution, and has a potentially preferred taste vs. tablets. This study compared the ability of buprenorphine (B) and B/N films to suppress spontaneous withdrawal in opioid-dependent volunteers. Participants were maintained on morphine and underwent challenge sessions to confirm sensitivity to naloxone-induced opioid withdrawal. Subjects were randomized to receive either B (16 mg, n = 18) or B/N (16/4 mg, n = 16) soluble films for 5 days. The primary outcome measure was the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) score. Thirty-four subjects completed induction onto soluble films. There was a significant decrease in COWS scores but no significant differences between the groups. The results support the use of B and B/N soluble films as safe and effective delivery methods for opioid induction.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Sublingual
  • Adult
  • Buprenorphine / administration & dosage*
  • Buprenorphine / adverse effects
  • Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Approval
  • Drug Packaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medication Systems
  • Middle Aged
  • Naloxone / administration & dosage*
  • Naloxone / adverse effects
  • Narcotic Antagonists / administration & dosage*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment / methods*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Solubility
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Tablets
  • Taste
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration

Substances

  • Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination
  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Tablets
  • Naloxone
  • Buprenorphine