Background and Objectives
Highly potent synthetic opioids (HPSO) are increasingly responsible for opioid overdose deaths in the United States.
Methods
In an open‐label, uncontrolled trial to test the feasibility of extended‐release buprenorphine (BXR) injection treatment of heroin‐using individuals with opioid use disorder testing positive for HPSO, participants were enrolled and began an induction with sublingual BXR (n = 5). During the induction, ancillary medications (clonidine, clonazepam, zolpidem, and prochlorperazine) were provided for breakthrough opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Results
Two participants received the BXR injection on the second day of the induction and three participants on the third day.
Discussion and Conclusion
All five participants were retained at least 1‐month postinduction.
Scientific Significance
It may be feasible to provide BXR treatment to HPSO‐positive heroin users rapidly to achieve clinical stabilization. (Am J Addict 2020;00:00–00)