21466501

PMC3154701

The diversion, misuse, and non-medically supervised use of buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone by opioid users are reviewed. Buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone are used globally as opioid analgesics and in the treatment of opioid dependency. Diversion of buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone represents a complex medical and social issue, and has been widely documented in various geographical regions throughout the world. We first discuss the clinical properties of buprenorphine and its abuse potential. Second, we discuss its diversion and illicit use on an international level, as well as motivations for those activities. Third, we examine the medical risks and benefits of buprenorphine's non-medically supervised use and misuse. These risks and benefits include the effect of buprenorphine's use on HIV risk and the risk of its concomitant use with other medications and drugs of abuse. Finally, we discuss the implications of diversion, misuse, and non-medically supervised use (including potential measures to address issues of diversion); and potential areas for further research.

CDC Public Access

K24 DA022112/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States
K24 DA022112-01A2/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States
K24DA022112/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States
P30-AI-42853/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States
P30DA013868/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States
R21CE001846-01/CE/NCIPC CDC HHS/United States