title: Dose patterns among patients using low-dose buprenorphine patches.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to investigate the dose pattern of low-dose buprenorphine patches among patients in Swedish clinical practice. The clinical experts among the coauthors interpreted the results in relation to possible indications of development of tolerance and/or dependence/addiction.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a nationwide, observational study using data from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register.
  
  
  METHODS
  Individuals who were dispensed the low-dose buprenorphine patches continuously for more than 24 weeks during July 1, 2005 to February 28, 2011 were included.
  
  
  METHODS
  The dose pattern was analyzed as the change in dose over time for each patient: 1) the dose at baseline compared with each of the following 8-week intervals, and 2) the dose at baseline compared with the dose during the patients' last treatment period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of the patients were female (74%), and most were 75 years and older (69%). The median treatment duration was 260 days, and 4% and 1% of patients remained on continuous treatment for 2 and 3 years, respectively. The mean dose was 11 μg/h at baseline, and 15 μg/h during the patients' last treatment period. The average dose increased by 4 μg/h during the patients' entire treatment course.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The average dose increased by 4 μg/h during the patients' treatment course, which lasted on an average of 260 days. From a clinical perspective, the dose increase of 4 μg/h is low and does not suggest dependence/addiction, as also supported by the low proportion of patients remaining on continuous treatment.
authors.affiliation: Nordic Health Economics AB, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lesén
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ericson
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Simonsberg
authors.forename: Riitta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Varelius
authors.forename: Ingela
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Björholt
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Söderpalm
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders; D057968:Transdermal Patch; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D002047:Buprenorphine
keywords: Buprenorphine; Dose Patterns; Drug Utilization; Opioid-Related Disorders; Tolerance; Transdermal