Buprenorphine for opioid dependence

doi:10.1136/dtb.2007.45320

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2007;45:20-24; doi:10.1136/dtb.2007.45320

Buprenorphine for opioid dependence

Relevant BNF section: 4.10

In England and Wales, estimates suggest around 250,000 peoplehave serious drug problems such as dependency, that cause considerableharm to themselves and others, and give rise to high socialand economic costs.¹ The number of people receiving specialisttreatment for drug problems has increased greatly in recentyears.² Many people dependent on opioids will require opioidsubstitution treatment at some time. This may involve long-termmaintenance to reduce use of illicit drugs, and/or short-termdetoxification to stop such use completely. Standard managementinvolves methadone maintenance therapy.³ Buprenorphine (Subutex– Schering-Plough) is also licensed for the managementof patients with opioid dependence.⁴ Here we review the evidencefor the use of buprenorphine compared with methadone for opioiddependence.