Abandonment of prescribed buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, 2020-2024

JAMA Network Open

This retrospective cohort study examined characteristics associated with abandonment of newly prescribed buprenorphine, defined as a prescription that was written but not dispensed or filled, and trends in abandonment among adults from 2020 to 2024 to inform efforts to improve buprenorphine access.  Researchers found the proportion of abandoned newly prescribed buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid use disorder increased from 2020 to 2024. Over 1 in 3 patients’ first buprenorphine prescriptions were abandoned in 2024, representing a missed opportunity for treatment initiation and engagement.  Hispanic patients had a higher proportion of prescription abandonment, possibly due to language and pharmacy-level barriers, such as limited retail pharmacies in Hispanic communities and neighborhoods. Increasing opioid overdose death rates among Hispanics highlights the importance of expanding access among this population. 

 

Read this issue of the ASAM Weekly

Subscribe to the ASAM Weekly

Visit ASAM

Rss Apple Podcaster
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör American Society of Addiction Medicine. Innehållet i podden är skapat av American Society of Addiction Medicine och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.