Background
Prerequisite opioid withdrawal symptoms prior to buprenorphine induction are unacceptable to many patients. We assessed whether transdermal buprenorphine minimized withdrawal while bridging to sublingual therapy among hospital inpatients.
Methods
Retrospective chart review of (n = 23) inpatients with opioid use disorder or opioid dependence due to chronic pain.
Results
Of 23 inpatients, 65% transitioned without symptoms, while 35% experienced mild withdrawal. Ninety‐six percent completed planned hospitalizations, with 83% engaged in treatment 4 weeks post‐discharge.
Discussion and Conclusions
Bridging to sublingual therapy with transdermal buprenorphine patches was feasible without withdrawal symptoms.
Scientific Significance
This strategy may facilitate buprenorphine therapy in hospital inpatients. (Am J Addict 2019;00:1–4)