Sublingual buprenorphine for chronic pain: A survey of clinician prescribing practices

Kristen Rosen, Antonio Gutierrez, Deborah Haller, Jennifer S. Potter

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: Sublingual buprenorphine, with and without naloxone, is indicated for the treatment of opioid use disorders. Although not approved for pain, some evidence suggests it may be a safe and effective alternative to conventional opioid analgesics, particularly for those with addiction problems. This study surveyed pain specialists to examine the extent to which sublingual buprenorphine was prescribed for chronic pain and explore associated clinician attitudes and characteristics. Method: A 36-item survey examining clinician attitudes and characteristics related to sublingual buprenorphine and other opioids was distributed to 1307 members of the American Pain Society, a multidisciplinary professional group. Members were provided a paper copy of the survey and URL to an online version. A follow-up letter was mailed after 2 weeks. Results: Overall, 230 completed surveys were returned (18.5%). Of clinicians who prescribed opioids for chronic pain (92.5%), 19.7% reported prescribing sublingual buprenorphine for chronic pain at least once; of these prescribers, 39.6% did not have a DEA X-waiver to prescribe sublingual buprenorphine for opioid dependence. Prescribers were more likely than nonprescribers to find sublingual buprenorphine effective for chronic pain. Prescribers were also significantly more likely to view sublingual buprenorphine as safer than full agonists in terms of addiction, overdose, and drug interaction. No differences emerged between prescribers and nonprescribers regarding perceptions of potential for drug diversion or in terms of overall opioid prescribing behaviors. Discussion: Results suggest that sublingual buprenorphine is indeed being used to treat chronic pain; however, the circumstances when this occurs are not entirely clear.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)295-300
Number of pages6
JournalClinical Journal of Pain
Volume30
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2014

Keywords

  • attitudes
  • chronic pain
  • opioids
  • practices
  • sublingual buprenorphine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

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