Buprenorphine: What's New

HOT TOPICS In Buprenorphine Treatment

6 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST

A webinar series offered by the American Psychiatric Association as part of the CSAT-Funded Physicians Clinical Support System-Buprenorphine (PCSS-B). This webinar on February 14, 2012 will be presented by Dr. Marjorie C. Meyer. This webinar's topic is "Buprenorphine Treatment During Pregnancy." Click here for more information. Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/461550554

A recording of each webinar is available for on-demand viewing at http://www.pcssb.org. Click on the Hot Topics Webinars tab. CME credit is not currently provided for these one-hour sessions. Please contact pcssb@psych.org for further information regarding the webinar series.

Clinical Report on Neonatal Drug Withdrawal

31 Jan 2012 16:20:00 EST

The American Academy of Pediatrics published a clinical report on Neonatal Drug Withdrawal. This publication includes information on both methadone and Buprenorphine. Click here to read the publication.

The American Psychiatric Association is pleased to announce the launch of a new webinar series focusing on assessment and treatment of chronic pain, appropriate prescribing of Opioid medications, and recognition of substance abuse and dependence.

5 Jan 2012 16:20:00 EST

This webinar on January 20, 2012 will be presented by Dr. Jon Streltzer. This webinar's topic is "Assessment of Patients with Chronic Pain and Co-Occurring Substance Use." Click here for more information.
Register at www2.gotomeeting.com/register/707608498.

The session will be recorded and later posted on the APA and PCSS-O websites for on-demand viewing. For additional information on the PCSS-O and its array of resources for the practicing clinician, visit www.pcss-o.org.

Department of Defense is proposing to remove the prohibition to use addictive drugs in the maintenance treatment of substance dependence in TRICARE beneficiaries

3 Jan 2012 16:20:00 EST

Click here to read the federal register notice and comment.

New study evaluates the use of buprenorphine/naloxone for the treatment of prescription opioid abuse

15 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST

Press Release - Prescription Opioid Addiction Treatment Study (POATS), National Institute on Drug Abuse, November 8, 2011:

"In the study, more than 600 treatment-seeking outpatients addicted to prescription opioids received Suboxone in combination with brief standard medical management, in which physicians evaluated treatment effectiveness and recommended abstinence and self-help participation. Half of the participants also received varying intensities of addiction counseling as provided by trained substance abuse or mental health professionals.

Results showed that approximately 49 percent of participants reduced prescription painkiller abuse during extended (at least 12-week) Suboxone treatment. This success rate dropped to 8.6 percent once Suboxone was discontinued. Reductions in prescription painkiller abuse were seen regardless of whether or not the patient reported suffering chronic pain, and participants who received intensive addiction counseling did not show better outcomes when compared to those who did not receive this additional counseling.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 1.9 million people in the United States meet abuse or dependence criteria for prescription pain relievers. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that annually, more people die from prescription painkiller overdoses than from heroin and cocaine combined."

NIDA's Clinical Trials Network launched the Prescription Opioid Addiction Treatment Study (POATS) in 2007, which took place at 10 treatment sites around the country. http://www.nida.nih.gov/newsroom/11/NR11-08.html

HOT TOPICS In Buprenorphine Treatment

30 Sep 2011 16:20:00 EST

A webinar series offered by the American Psychiatric Association as part of the CSAT-Funded Physicians Clinical Support System-Buprenorphine (PCSS-B). This webinar on October 11, 2011 will be presented by Dr. Sharon Levy and Dr. Ximena Sanchez-Samper. This webinar will present current Sbest practice guidelines for managing opioid dependent adolescents, including review of 1) epidemiology of opioid misuse/abuse/dependence, 2) opioid neurobiology, 3) developmental considerations pertinent to treating adolescents/young adults, and 4) safe opioid prescribing practices. Click here for more information. Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/230021202

Once registered, the webinar is viewable at later times. This webinar is not worth CME credits. Please contact PCSS-B for more information related to this webinar at http://www.pcssb.org/.

HOT TOPICS In Buprenorphine Treatment

19 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST

A webinar series offered by the American Psychiatric Association as part of the CSAT-Funded Physicians Clinical Support System-Buprenorphine (PCSS-B). This webinar on January 10, 2012 will be presented by Dr. Wilson Compton. This webinar's topic is "Embedding Addiction Services in General Medicine". Click here for more information. Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/825190602

A recording of each webinar is available for on-demand viewing at http://www.pcssb.org.Click on the Hot Topics Webinars tab. CME credit is not currently provided for these one-hour sessions. Please contact pcssb@psych.org for further information regarding the webinar series.

HOT TOPICS In Buprenorphine Treatment

1 Nov 2011 16:20:00 EST

A webinar series offered by the American Psychiatric Association as part of the CSAT-Funded Physicians Clinical Support System-Buprenorphine (PCSS-B). This webinar on November 8, 2011 will be presented by Dr. Marc Galanter. This webinar"s topic is SNetwork Therapy: Using the Patient"s Family and Peer Support for Effective Office Practice. Click here for more information. Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/578212187.

A recording of each webinar is available for on-demand viewing at www.pcssb.org Click on the Hot Topics Webinars tab. CME credit is not currently provided for these one-hour sessions. Please contact pcssb@psych.org for further information regarding the webinar series.

Statement from Reckitt Benckiser

17 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST

SReckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc. is discontinuing distribution and sale of Subutex� tablets as we believe that mono product (product containing buprenorphine alone with no naloxone) creates a greater risk of misuse, abuse and diversion, and while other mono product may be available on the market, we are concentrating our efforts around less abusable products in order to protect patients, communities and access to treatment. Click here to read the letter from Reckitt Benckiser.

Dear Colleague

29 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST

SAMHSA encourages physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, other Staff in Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) and DATA-Waived Physicians to utilize State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) as an additional resource to maximize safety of patient care pursuant to applicable state guidelines. The illicit use of prescription drugs (i.e. opioids, stimulants, and sedatives) is a major public health problem. In addition, prescription drug issues affect patients in OTPs. Click here to read the letter.

HOT TOPICS In Buprenorphine Treatment

26 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST

A webinar series offered by the American Psychiatric Association as part of the CSAT-Funded Physicians Clinical Support System-Buprenorphine (PCSS-B). This webinar on September 13, 2011 will be presented by Dr. George Kolodner. As the use of buprenorphine has increased, a variety of new problems have confronted prescribing physicians. In this webinar, Dr. George Kolodner will describe approaches to address some of the more common problems. Click here for more information. Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/979392002

HOT TOPICS In Buprenorphine Treatment

26 May 2011 14:00:00 EST

A webinar series offered by the American Psychiatric Association as part of the CSAT-Funded Physicians Clinical Support System-Buprenorphine (PCSS-B). This webinar on June 14, 2011 will be presented by Dr. Michelle Lofwall. This presentation will provide an overview of diversion and misuse of buprenorphine. Click here for more information. Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/235810355.

SAMHSA has just released the 2009 National and Metropolitan area estimates of drug-related emergency department visits from the Drug Abuse Warning Network.

29 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST

The short report "Highlights of the 2009 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) Findings on Drug-Related Emergency Department Visits" summarizes the key findings and is available at: http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/DAWN034/EDHighlights.cfm in html and pdf format. Some findings of note include:

In 2009, there were nearly 4.6 million drug-related emergency department (ED) visits of which about one half (49.8 percent, or 2.3 million) were attributed to adverse reactions to pharmaceuticals and almost one half (45.1 percent, or 2.1 million) were attributed to drug misuse or abuse
In 2009, ED visits resulting from the misuse or abuse of pharmaceuticals occurred at a rate of 405.4 visits per 100,000 population compared with a rate of 317.1 per 100,000 population for illicit drugs
ED visits involving misuse or abuse of pharmaceuticals increased 98.4 percent between 2004 and 2009, from 627,291 visits in 2004 to 1,244,679 visits in 2009
ED visits involving adverse reactions to pharmaceuticals taken as prescribed increased 82.9 percent between 2005 and 2009, from 1,250,377 visits in 2005 to 2,287,273 visits in 2009
Data tables containing detailed estimates are available at the DAWN website and are available in html and Excel.

National estimates: http://dawninfo.samhsa.gov/data/
Metropolitan area estimates: http://dawninfo.samhsa.gov/data/default.asp?met=Met

HOT TOPICS In Buprenorphine Treatment

24 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST

The American Psychiatric Association is offering a new webinar as part of the CSAT-Funded Physicians" Clinical Support System-Buprenorphine (PCSS-B). This webinar on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 will be presented by Dr. David Fiellin and Dr. Jeannette Tetrault of the Yale University School of Medicine. This presentation will cover common medical co-morbidities seen in patients receiving buprenorphine in the office-based setting. Click here for more information. Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/183155506

Webinar from The American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine

20 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST

The American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine invites you to join us for a webinar training on the Office-Based Treatment of Opioid Dependence utilizing Buprenorphine. This webinar training, in conjunction with a 4 hour online study, will provide the required 8 hours needed to obtain the waiver to prescribe Buprenorphine in the office-based setting. Click here for more information.

HOT TOPICS In Buprenorphine Treatment

15 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST

This webinar on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 will cover issues related to managing co-occurring addictions. Dr. Andrew Saxon will present an overview of pharmacotherapeutic and behavioral interventions that could be used or adapted for office-based practice. Click here for more information. Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/317936715

HOT TOPICS In Buprenorphine Treatment

18 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST

This webinar on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 will cover issues related to induction and stabilization of buprenorphine/ naloxone for the treatment of opioid dependence. Dr. Laura McNicholas will discuss the management of the actively addicted patient, using both office-based and at-home protocols. Click here for more information. Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/927850931

HOT TOPICS In Buprenorphine Treatment

24 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST

HOT TOPICS In Buprenorphine Treatment

22 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST

A webinar series offered by the American Psychiatric Association as part of the CSAT-Funded Physicians Clinical Support System-Buprenorphine (PCSS-B). Click here for more information. Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/860211762>

This webinar on January 11, 2011 will be presented by Herbert Kleber, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry for Columbia University and Director of the Division of Substance Abuse for the New York State Psychiatric Institute. Maintenance vs. Detoxification and Short Term vs. Long Term Maintenance are debates that have gone on for over 100 years. These concerns had been of more interest recently with the introduction of buprenorphine for office-based practice and the entry of many new clinicians into the opioid addiction treatment field. The growing number of buprenorphine patients, including younger individuals with relatively short histories of opioid abuse, present new challenges for the clinician. One major problem is the relative lack of scientific data on the efficacy of maintenance treatment in this population. This presentation will trace the historical roots of the conflict, the relationship to stigma, and the scientific data supporting the positions. Where available, patient selection data will be described.

Buprenorphine treatment in pregnancy: less distress to babies

9 Dec 2010 16:45:00 EST

NIH study compares buprenorphine to methadone in opioid addicted pregnant women.

Babies born to women addicted to opioids fare better when their mothers are treated with either the addiction medication buprenorphine or methadone than babies whose mothers are not treated at all. In this comparative effectiveness trial, buprenorphine was found to be superior to methadone in reducing withdrawal symptoms in the newborns, according to a recent study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health. The study, conducted by a multi-disciplinary team of researchers from North America and Europe, was published today in the New England Journal of Medicine. Click here to view the entire NIH press release on this study.

HOT TOPICS In Buprenorphine Treatment

30 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST

A webinar series offered by the American Psychiatric Association as part of the CSAT-Funded Physicians Clinical Support System-Buprenorphine (PCSS-B). Click here for more information. Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/920436003

The third webinar on December, 14, 2010, will be presented by Dr. Hendree Jones. Dr. Jones will discuss her work from the recently completed eight-site, multi-center trial Maternal Opioid Treatment: Human Experimental Research (MOTHER) that compared the fetal, neonatal and maternal safety and efficacy of methadone and buprenorphine medications for pregnant opioid dependent women. She will discuss induction and stabilization of pregnant women on these medications, the risks and benefits for mother, fetus and neonate as well as discuss the latest evidence based guidance for managing acute pain, breastfeeding and neonatal abstinence syndrome in the opioid-exposed neonate.

FDA approves injectable drug to treat opioid-dependent patients

21 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EDT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Vivitrol to treat and prevent relapse after patients with opioid dependence have undergone detoxification treatment. Vivitrol is an extended-release formulation of naltrexone administered by intramuscular injection once a month. Naltrexone works to block opioid receptors in the brain. It blocks the effects of drugs like morphine, heroin, and other opioids. It was approved to treat alcohol dependence in 2006. To view the FDA press release in its entirety, click here

Food and Drug Administration approves a new Suboxone sublingual film product

09 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EDT

On August 30, 2010, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new Suboxone sublingual film product. The sublingual film is approved for use in the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence when used as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support. Additional information on the approval requirements (post approval requirement for a clinical trial on QT prolongation, Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) can be found in the FDA approval letter. Click here to view the FDA approval letter. Information on the availability of the product may be found on the manufacturer"s website. http://www.suboxone.com/hcp/Default.aspx.

Teva Announces Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets Approval

08 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EDT

On Friday, May 7, 2010, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted final approval for the Company"s Abbreviated New Drug Application ("ANDA") for Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets 2 & 8 mg. Teva"s Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets are the AB-rated generic equivalent of Reckitt Benckiser's Subutex� and are indicated for the treatment of narcotic addiction. Teva intends the commercial launch to occur later this month. To learn more about Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets prescribing information, please call 1-800-227-7522.

From Medscape Medical News: For Prescription Opioid Dependence, Relapses Associated With Shorter Treatment Course

27 May 2010 14:00:00 EST

May 24, 2010 (New Orleans, Louisiana) - In persons dependent on prescription opioids, tapering with buprenorphine during a 9-month period, whether initially or after a period of substantial improvement, led to nearly universal relapse in the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network Prescription Opioid Addiction Treatment Study, presented here at the American Psychiatric Association 2010 Annual Meeting. Click here for the article. Note: In order to access this article you will need to sign up for a FREE MedScape account, if you do not have one already.

Buprenorphine Favoured Over Methadone for Opiate Addiction in Pregnancy: Presented at ACOG

24 May 2010 17:10:00 EST

SAN FRANCISCO - May 19, 2010 - A recent study in Maine among women addicted to opiates has found that buprenorphine is safer for neonates than traditional treatment with methadone. Click here for link to Doctor's Guide article.

Notice of Inspection of Controlled Premises

6 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST

This notice of inspection must be signed prior to a DATA 2000 inspection. It includes the statement of physicians' rights as well as an authorization to inspect the controlled premises. Use this link to go to the notice.

Generic Subutex Approved

16 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

Roxane Laboratories, Inc. announces the launch of buprenorphine 1/2 HCl sublingual tablets Columbus, OH - October 8, 2009. Roxane Laboratories, Inc. announced today the approval of its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets, 2mg and 8mg by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The product is available in bottles of 30 for immediate shipment to wholesalers and pharmacies nationwide. Roxane Laboratories' Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets are AB rated to SUBUTEX� (buprenorphine HCl) tablets. Annual sales of SUBUTEX� are approximately $67.7 Million. Full prescribing information for Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets is available on the Roxane Laboratories website at www.Roxane.com or upon request by calling Roxane Laboratories Technical Product Information at 1.800.962.8364.

SAMHSA Issues Nationwide Public Health Alert Concerning Life Threatening Risk Posed by Cocaine Laced with Veterinary Anti-Parasite Drug

22 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is alerting medical professionals, substance abuse treatment centers and other public health authorities about the risk that substantial levels of cocaine may be adulterated with levamisole-a veterinary anti-parasitic drug. There have been approximately 20 confirmed or probable cases of agranulocytosis (a serious, sometimes fatal blood disorder), including two deaths, associated with cocaine adulterated with levamisole. The number of reported cases is expected to increase as information about cocaine adulterated with levamisole is disseminated. Use this link to go to the letter.

Get the Latest on Substance Abuse and Mental Health

21 Aug 2009 13:59:00 EDT

Dear Colleague: Did you know that you can receive updates on materials and resources related to substance abuse and mental health issues?
By enrolling in SAMHSA’s eNetwork, a free service, you can stay current with the latest grant announcements, data, and publications that will help you serve your community. Once you Join the eNetwork, you can choose your areas of interest and receive the information that is important to you.

SAMHSA and DEA issue letter on prescribing Suboxone/Subutex in opioid treatment programs

18 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST

Did you know that you can receive updates on materials and resources related to substance abuse and mental health issues?
By enrolling in SAMHSA’s eNetwork, a free service, you can stay current with the latest grant announcements, data, and publications that will help you serve your community. Once you Join the eNetwork, you can choose your areas of interest and receive
For example, we can send you regular email updates on:

Subscribers are also the first to receive SAMHSA News, the agency’s award-winning newsletter published online six times a year. the information that is important to you. By enrolling in SAMHSA’s eNetwork, a free service, you can stay current with the latest grant announcements, data, and publications that will help you serve your community. Once you Join the eNetwork, you can choose your areas of interest and receive the information that is important to you.

New Resource Available for Nurses on Buprenorphine

25 Mar 2009 15:07:00 EST

Dear Nursing Professionals: The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is releasing a Technical Assistant Publication (TAP 30) titled "Buprenorphine: A Guide for Nurses." This publication is intended to provide nurses, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) with current information about buprenorphine products-Suboxone� (buprenorphine and naloxone) and Subutex� (buprenorphine)-for the pharmacological treatment of opioid addiction. This Guide can also serve as a resource to enable nurses working with physician prescribers to improve treatment outcomes for individuals receiving buprenorphine treatment for opioid addiction.

New Resource Available on Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction

23 Jan 2009 16:08:00 EST

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration"s (SAMHSA's) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) is pleased to announce the availability of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction in Opioid Treatment Programs Inservice Training, a new training manual based on Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 43. This new manual provides detailed training information aimed at introducing substance abuse treatment professionals to medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction in opioid treatment programs. The manual describes opioid use disorders; provides assessment, treatment planning, pharmacology, and dosing information; and presents evidence-based best practices for treatment.

Federal Register Notice

7 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST

On June 19, SAMHSA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on the use of buprenorphine products in SAMHSA-certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs). If adopted, the proposal would remove the time in treatment dispensing requirements for buprenorphine products used to treat patients in OTPs. The dispensing restrictions would remain in effect for patients treated with methadone. The closing date for comments on this proposal is August 19, 2009.

Results from New Clinical Trial of Buprenorphine in Young Adults

10 Nov 2008 11:44:00 EST

This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy of continuing Buprenorphine-Naloxone for 12 weeks versus detoxification for opioid-addicted youth. The number of patients younger than 18 years was too small to analyze separately, but overall, patients in the detox group had higher proportions of opioid-poisitive urine test results at weeks 4 and 8 but not at week 12.

SAMHSA and NIDA Convene Summit on Buprenorphine Treatment

29 Feb 2008 09:22:00 EST

The Summit convened February 21-22, 2008, in Washington, D.C. to bring together experts in epidemiology, pharmacology, toxicology, and addiction treatment in order to build upon the findings of the previous summits in 2003 and 2005. Participants assessed the successes, progress and continued barriers to access to opioid treatment with buprenorphine. Presentations identified best practices and useful clinical supports to enhance the quality of treatment. Participants identified strategies to address emerging issues and concerns. SAMHSA and NIDA will prepare a report on the proceedings.

Update Physician Contact Information

29 Feb 2008 12:09:56 EST

Physicians, you can now update your own contact information. If you have given permission to post contact information in the Buprenorphine Physician and Treatment Program Locator, the information will be updated there too.