title: Effects of HCV seropositive status on buprenorphine pharmacokinetics in opioid-dependent individuals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on buprenorphine pharmacokinetics in opioid-dependent, buprenorphine/naloxone-maintained adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of buprenorphine pharmacokinetics in HCV seropositive and seronegative buprenorphine/naloxone-maintained individuals (N = 49) was undertaken.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Relative to HCV seronegative subjects, HCV seropositive subjects had higher buprenorphine exposure, as demonstrated by elevated buprenorphine AUC and Cmax values (p = .03 and .02, respectively) and corresponding elevations in the metabolites, buprenorphine-3-glucuronide AUC values (p = .03) and norbuprenorphine-3-glucuronide AUC and C24 values (p = .05 and .03, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HCV infection was associated with higher plasma concentrations of buprenorphine and buprenorphine metabolites.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest the potential for opioid toxicity among HCV-infected patients treated with buprenorphine/naloxone, and possible hepatotoxic effects related to increased buprenorphine exposure. HCV-infected patients receiving buprenorphine may need lower doses to maintain therapeutic plasma concentrations.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California.
authors: Carmen L
authors: CL
authors: Masson
authors: Petrie M
authors: PM
authors: Rainey
authors: David E
authors: DE
authors: Moody
authors: Elinore F
authors: EF
authors: McCance-Katz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009270:Naloxone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009270:Naloxone; D002047:Buprenorphine