Transition from methadone to subcutaneous buprenorphine depot in patients with opioid use disorder in custodial setting – a case series

Background Methadone, a full opioid agonist, and buprenorphine, partial agonist at the receptor, are established first-line medications for maintenance therapy. Transition from methadone to sublingual buprenorphine may precipitate withdrawal is usually performed only in patients on low dose of (<30–40 mg). novel subcutaneous depot (Buvidal) has not been previously described.Objectives To test hypothesis that rapid transition after single 4 mg safe well tolerated.Methods Retrospective chart analysis case series seven users under custodial setting (prison) who were switched (initial 16 weekly subcutaneously) an initial within 48 hours.Results Clinical data indicate feasible (six hours, one days). All successfully transfer period was completed without dropouts or major medical problems. Further adjustments 7 patients.Conclusions via sublingual. This procedure facilitate induction formulations treated with methadone.