Perception of a New Prolonged-Release Buprenorphine Formulation in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: The PREDEPO Study.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the acceptance of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) to switching their opioid dependence treatment (ODT) for a prolonged-release buprenorphine (PRB) injection according to their prior ODT (buprenorphine/naloxone [B/N] or methadone). METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective/cross-sectional, multicentre study of adult patients diagnosed with OUD on ODT. Data collected from diaries were analysed to know their interest and opinion on PRB. Questions with fixed response options were included, and several Likert scales were used. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients were enrolled (B/N 50.0%, methadone 50.0%). The mean age was 46.9 ± 8.43 years and 79.6% were males. PRB was similarly perceived by both groups in most variables analysed, receiving a mean score of 7.2/10 (B/N 7.4, methadone 7.0; p = 0.520), and approximately 65% of patients said they were willing to switch to PRB (B/N 63.3%, methadone 65.3%; p = 0.833). Of these, a higher percentage in the B/N group considered that switching would be easy/very easy (B/N 90.3%, methadone 46.9%; p < 0.001) and that they would start PRB when available (B/N 64.5%, methadone 34.3%; p = 0.005). More than 90% would prefer the monthly injection (B/N 93.6%, methadone 100%; p = 0.514). One-third of patients in both groups were unsure/would not switch their ODT to PRB (B/N 36.7%, methadone 34.7%; p = 0.833). The main reason was administration by injection. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of patients would switch their treatment for PRB, and most patients on B/N considered that switching would be easy. PRB could be a suitable alternative for OUD management.