Method for Successfully Inducting Individuals Who Use Illicit Fentanyl Onto Buprenorphine/Naloxone

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Individuals exposed to fentanyl are at risk of precipitated withdrawal using typical buprenorphine/naloxone induction procedures. METHODS: This case series describes buprenorphine/naloxone inductions of four individuals who tested positive for fentanyl. RESULTS: Buprenorphine-precipitated withdrawal was observed in two individuals who completed a conventional buprenorphine/naloxone induction strategy. Two more individuals completed a revised buprenorphine/naloxone induction strategy that did not precipitate withdrawal. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Using multiple 2 mg doses of buprenorphine/naloxone in patients already in mild/moderate withdrawal improved outcomes. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Persons who use illicit fentanyl might be less likely to experience precipitated withdrawal from this revised buprenorphine/naloxone induction strategy. (Am J Addict 2021;30:83-87).