Treatment retention among patients randomized to buprenorphine/naloxone compared to methadone in a multi‐site trial

• DOI: 10.1111/add.12333
• Publication Date: 2013-08-20T11:48:49Z
• Authors: Yih‐Ing Hser; Andrew J. Saxon; David Huang; Al Hasson; Christie Thomas; Maureen Hillhouse; Petra Jacobs; Cheryl Teruya; Paul McLaughlin; Katharina Wiest; Allan Cohen; Walter Ling
• Keywords: Narcotic antagonists

Abstract Aims To examine patient and medication characteristics associated with retention continued illicit opioid use in methadone ( MET ) versus buprenorphine/naloxone BUP treatment for dependence. Design, settings participants This secondary analysis included 1267 opioid‐dependent individuals participating nine programs between 2006 2009 randomized to receive open‐label or 24 weeks. Measurements The analyses measures of at baseline (demographics; alcohol, cigarettes drugs; self‐rated mental physical health), dose urine drug screens during treatment, completion days the 24‐week trial. Findings rate was 74% 46% P < 0.01); among increased 80% when maximum reached exceeded 60 mg/day. With , linearly higher doses, reaching 60% doses 30–32 Of those remaining positive results were significantly lower [odds ratio OR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval CI) 0.52–0.76, 0.01] relative first 9 weeks treatment. Higher related opiate use, more so patients. A Cox proportional hazards model revealed factors dropout: (i) [versus hazard HR) 1.61, CI 1.20–2.15], (ii) (<16 mg <60 ; HR 3.09, 2.19–4.37), (iii) interaction condition (those 1.04 times likely drop out than dose, (iv) being younger, Hispanic using heroin other substances Conclusions Provision appears be better dependence buprenorphine, as does provision both medications. buprenorphine is opioids.