Buprenorphine-Containing Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in Primary Care

The opioid epidemic has undoubtedly become a major problem across the United States. Whether it is in primary care, emergency services, or inpatient hospitalization, every healthcare worker witnesses the effects of opioid use disorder. Pharmacotherapy is a major step forward in the treatment of patients who suffer from opioid dependence. There have been many formulations in recent years of medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder. However, significant barriers exist between a patient with opioid use disorder and treatment with medication assisted therapy. Chief among these barriers is finding a provider who will help. For providers, hurdles include obtaining a waiver to dispense such medications, learning about different medication assisted therapy, and feeling comfortable prescribing and managing patients with opioid use disorder. Through reading a continuing medication article, providers can stay up to date with a framework for implementing medication assisted therapy that is rooted in evidence based practice. This presentation outlines the indications for buprenorphine-naloxone in the primary care setting, reviews information to provide patients about medication assisted treatment and discusses the implementation of a treatment plan to help patients on their road to recovery