Transdermal buprenorphine patch: Potential for role in management of opioid dependence

Asian J Psychiatr. 2019 Feb:40:88-91. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.02.002. Epub 2019 Feb 10.

Abstract

Despite proven clinical utility, use of sublinugual buprenorphine is fraught with issues of potential diversion among patients with opioid dependence. Transdermal buprenorphine patches provide an alternative delivery model that can be utilized to reduce such diversion. This narrative review discusses the transdermal buprenorphine formulations, and its pharmacology, drug interaction and tolerability profile. The studies utilizing buprenorphine transdermal patches in the treatment of opioid dependence are examined, while the potential of using such patches for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence is examined.

Keywords: Buprenorphine; Opioid dependence; Opioid maintenance; Transdermal buprenorphine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Buprenorphine / administration & dosage
  • Buprenorphine / adverse effects
  • Buprenorphine / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Narcotic Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Narcotic Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Narcotic Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment / methods*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Secondary Prevention / methods*
  • Transdermal Patch*

Substances

  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Buprenorphine