Buprenorphine Induction Strategies

As one of the few evidence-based treatments shown to decrease mortality, buprenorphine use has grown in the United States and abroad.  Buprenorphine is a first line option for opioid use disorder shown to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms leading to increased treatment retention, reduced risk for infectious complications and overdoses. For prescribers who obtain DATA waiver training in the United States, this medication can be started in a variety of clinical practices from general practice, specialty practice, or emergency rooms.  Due to buprenorphine's partial agonist, partial antagonist effects at the opioid receptor, early administration following opioid use can be complicated with potential risks for precipitated withdrawal.  To minimize the risk, several induction strategies from in-office, home induction, and slow and fast microdosing strategies have been used.  This session delves into the many approaches to induction techniques and how to select the best method for an individual patient.

Learning Objectives:

1. Compare traditional and home induction methods

2. Describe alternative microdosing  induction strategies

3. Identify appropriate patient populations for each method.