The process of starting a patient on buprenorphine, called an induction, can be a bit tricky and puts a patient at risk of a precipitated opioid withdrawal. In this article, we discuss the three most common buprenorphine induction approaches, review the pros and cons of each, and include straightforward guidance that will help you perform a successful buprenorphine induction for your patients.

As the overall prevalence of opioid use disorder has increased, so to has the prevalence of opioid use during pregnancy. Opioid use during pregnancy can put both your patient and the baby at risk, making proper treatment with MOUD essential. In this article, we outline the special considerations for the treatment of OUD during pregnancy and discuss how to prescribe MOUD safely. 

Incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder are at an especially heightened risk of adverse outcomes.  The period immediately following release is a particularly vulnerable time, with a much elevated risk of fatal overdose. In this study, investigators report on the use of extended-release injectable buprenorphine in a correctional setting.

Buprenorphine microinduction can be a useful method of starting BUP induction, however it is not always feasible, particularly in the hospital setting. Here, we discuss the development of an intravenous microinduction protocol that could provide an alternative to the usual sublingual and transdermal routes of administration. 

Dr. Hermes discusses the intricacies of medications for opioid use disorder by outlining the advantages, disadvantages, and side effect profile of each. She will help you choose the best treatment approach for your patients with opioid use disorder by providing a review of relevant literature and gives you language to use in the clinic.

With three FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorders and three FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorders, it can be hard to know where to start. Here we review the pros and cons of these six medications—and provide recommendations for their use in older adults.

The period immediately following release from incarceration is associated with an elevated risk of overdose among those with opioid use disorder. In this randomized trial, researchers were able to show that long-acting injectable buprenorphine (Sublocade) is a feasible and effective treatment for this high-risk population.