Preference for buprenorphine/naloxone and buprenorphine among patients receiving buprenorphine maintenance therapy in France: a prospective, multicenter study.
Maintenance treatment with buprenorphine tablets (Subutex) has been associated with reductions in heroin use; however, concerns for intravenous misuse exist. A buprenorphine/naloxone formulation (Suboxone) was designed to reduce this misuse risk while retaining buprenorphine's efficacy and safety. This prospective, open-label, multicenter trial compared preferences for buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone in 53 opioid-dependent patients stabilized on buprenorphine. Buprenorphine was first administered at the patient's current dose (Days 1-2), followed by a direct switch to buprenorphine/naloxone (Days 3-5). Global satisfaction rates were high and similar between buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone; however, patients preferred the tablet taste, size, and sublingual dissolution time of buprenorphine/naloxone. At the end of the study, 54% of patients preferred buprenorphine/naloxone, 31% preferred buprenorphine, and 15% had no preference; most patients (71%) wished to continue treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone. This study did not identify any impediments to a direct buprenorphine-to-buprenorphine/naloxone switch and revealed some characteristics that may facilitate treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone.
Centre Bizia, Bayonne, France. jean-pierre.daulouede@wanadoo.fr
Jean-Pierre
JP
Daulouède
Yves
Y
Caer
Pascal
P
Galland
Pierre
P
Villeger
Emmanuel
E
Brunelle
Jérôme
J
Bachellier
Jean-Michel
JM
Piquet
Jean
J
Harbonnier
Yves
Y
Leglise
Pascal
P
Courty
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009270:Naloxone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D057240:Patient Preference; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004338:Drug Combinations; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009270:Naloxone; D002047:Buprenorphine