Drug treatment outcomes among HIV-infected opioid-dependent patients receiving buprenorphine/naloxone

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2011 Mar 1;56 Suppl 1(0 1):S33-8. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3182097537.

Abstract

Background: Buprenorphine/naloxone allows the integration of opioid dependence and HIV treatment.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study in HIV-infected opioid-dependent patients to investigate the impact of buprenorphine/naloxone treatment on drug use. Self-report and chart review assessments were conducted every 3 months (quarters 1-4) for 1 year. Outcomes were buprenorphine/naloxone treatment retention, drug use, and addiction treatment processes.

Results: Among 303 patients enrolled between July 2005 and December 2007, retention in buprenorphine/naloxone treatment was 74%, 67%, 59%, and 49% during Quarters 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Past 30-day illicit opioid use decreased from 84% of patients at baseline to 42% in retained patients over the year. Patients were 52% less likely to use illicit opioids for each quarter in treatment (Odds ratio = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.72). Buprenorphine/naloxone doses and office visits approximated guidelines published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Urine toxicology monitoring was less frequent than recommended.

Conclusions: Buprenorphine/naloxone provided in HIV treatment settings can decrease opioid use. Strategies are needed to improve retention and address ongoing drug use in this treatment population.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Buprenorphine / administration & dosage
  • Buprenorphine / therapeutic use*
  • Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Naloxone / administration & dosage
  • Naloxone / therapeutic use*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination
  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Naloxone
  • Buprenorphine