Diversion of Buprenorphine/Naloxone Coformulated Tablets in a Region with High Prescribing Prevalence

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this article was to characterize practices of buprenorphine/naloxone (B/N) diversion in a region with a high prescribing prevalence. A cross-sectional, open-ended survey was administered to individuals entering opioid addiction treatment programs in two New England states. The authors obtained formative information about the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, practices, and street economy of B/N diversion. The authors interviewed 51 individuals, 49 of which were aware of B/N medication. Of that number, 100% had diverted B/N to modulate opiate withdrawal symptoms arising from attempted “self-detoxification,” insufficient funds to purchase preferred illicit opioids, or inability to find a preferred source of drugs. Thirty of 49 (61%) participants obtained the illicit drug from an individual holding a legitimate prescription for B/N. A high proportion of individuals in the study locations who sought treatment for opioid addiction self-reported the purchase and use of diverted B/N. The diversion of B/N may be minimized by modifying educational, treatment, monitoring, and dispensing practices.

KEYWORDS:

• Buprenorphine/naloxone
• Suboxone
• diversion
• opiate withdrawal
• detoxification