Sublocade Drug Information
Generic name: BUPRENORPHINE
Partial Opioid Agonist [EPC]
Uses of Sublocade
is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder in patients who have initiated treatment with a single dose of a transmucosal buprenorphine product or who are already being treated with buprenorphine. SUBLOCADE should be used as part of a complete treatment plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support. SUBLOCADE contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder in patients who have initiated treatment with a single dose of a transmucosal buprenorphine product or who are already being treated with buprenorphine.
SUBLOCADE should be used as part of a complete treatment program that includes counseling and psychosocial support.
Dosage & Administration of Sublocade
| 4 mg c | NA | | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Side Effects of Sublocade
Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of SUBLOCADE was evaluated in 848 opioid-dependent subjects (see Table 2 ). In these studies, there was a total of 557 subjects who received at least 6 monthly SC injections of SUBLOCADE and 138 subjects who received 12 monthly SC injections. Adverse events led to premature discontinuation in 4% of the group receiving SUBLOCADE compared with 2% in the placebo group (13-0001, NCT02357901). In the Phase 3 open-label study (13-0003, NCT02510014), adverse events leading to drug dose reductions were reported in 7.3% of subjects receiving SUBLOCADE. Table 2 Total Subjects Exposed to SUBLOCADE *Not included in total subjects exposed to SUBLOCADE † FLEX = 300 mg initial dose with an option to receive either 100 mg or 300 mg for subsequent dosing per clinician's discretion ‡ = Not included in total unique subjects exposed to SUBLOCADE, already accounted for in Study 13-0001 section of table Study 13-0001 (NCT02357901) Up to 6 Injections Study 13-0003 (NCT02510014) Total Subjects Exposed To SUBLOCADE Roll-Over Up to 6 Injections De-Novo Up to 12 Injections SUBLOCADE 300/100 mg SUBLOCADE 300/300 mg Placebo From SUBLOCADE 300/100 mg To SUBLOCADE 300/Flex† From SUBLOCADE 300/300 mg To SUBLOCADE 300/Flex† From Placebo To SUBLOCADE 300/Flex† SUBLOCADE 300/Flex N = 203 N = 201 N = 100* N = 112‡ N = 113‡ N = 32 N = 412 N = 848 Table 3 shows the non-injection site-related adverse reactions (ADRs) for the groups receiving SUBLOCADE 300/300 mg (6 doses of 300 mg SC injections) 300/100 mg (300 mg SC injections for the first two doses followed by 4 doses of 100 mg SC injections) and placebo (volume-matched ATRIGEL ® delivery system subcutaneous injections) reported following administration in the 6 month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
The systemic safety profile for SUBLOCADE, given by a healthcare provider in clinical trials, was consistent with the known safety profile of transmucosal buprenorphine. Common adverse reactions associated with buprenorphine included constipation, nausea, vomiting, abnormal liver enzymes, headache, sedation and somnolence. Dose dependent hepatic effects observed in the Phase 3, double-blind study (13-0001, NCT02357901) included the incidence of ALT more than 3 times the upper limit of normal (> 3 × ULN) in 12.4%, 5.4%, and 4.0% of the SUBLOCADE 300/300-mg, SUBLOCADE 300/100-mg, and placebo groups, respectively.
The incidence of AST > 3 × ULN was 11.4%, 7.9%, and 1.0%, respectively. Adverse drug reactions reported in at least 2% of subjects receiving SUBLOCADE are grouped by System Organ Class (SOC). Table 3 Adverse Reactions for Phase 3 Double-Blind Study: ≥ 2% of Subjects Receiving SUBLOCADE System Organ Class Preferred Term PLACEBO SUBLOCADE 300/100 mg SUBLOCADE 300/300 mg Count (%) Count (%) Count (%) *There were no cases of serious liver injury attributed to study drug. Total N = 100 N = 203 N = 201 Gastrointestinal disorders 12 (12%) 51 (25.1%) 45 (22.4%) Constipation 0 19 16 Nausea 5 18 16 Vomiting 4 19 11 General disorders and administration site conditions 17 (17%) 40 (19.7%) 49 (24.4%) Fatigue 3 8 12 Investigations* 2 (2%) 21 (10.3%) 19 (9.5%) Alanine aminotransferase increased (ALT) 0 2 10 Aspartate aminotransferase increased (AST) 0 7 9 Blood creatine phosphokinase increased (CPK) 1 11 5 Gamma-glutamyl transferase increased (GGT) 1 6 8 Nervous system disorders 7 (7%) 35 (17.2%) 25 (12.4%) Headache 6 19 17 Sedation 0 7 3 Dizziness 2 5 3 Somnolence 0 10 4 Table 4 shows the injection site-related adverse events reported by ≥ 2 subjects in the Phase 3 studies.
Most injection site adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were of mild to moderate severity, with one report of severe injection site pruritus. None of the injection site reactions were serious. One reaction, an injection site ulcer, led to study treatment discontinuation.
Table 4 Injection Site Adverse Drug Reactions Reported by ≥ 2 Subjects in the Phase 3 Studies *Patients received SUBOXONE film for a run-in period before they switched to SUBLOCADE injection. Preferred term, n (%) 13-0001 (Ph3DB) 13-0003 (Ph3OL) All Phase 3* Roll–over De-novo SUBLOCADE 300/300 (N = 201) SUBLOCADE 300/100 (N = 203) Placebo (N = 100) SUBLOCADE 300 → SUBLOCADE 300/Flex (N = 113) SUBLOCADE 100 → SUBLOCADE 300/Flex (N = 112) Placebo → SUBLOCADE 300/Flex (N = 32) SUBLOCADE 300/Flex (N = 412) Total SUBLOCADE (N = 848) Subjects with any injection site reactions 38 (18.9%) 28 (13.8%) 9 (9.0%) 6 (5.3%) 13 (11.6%) 2 (6.3%) 61 (14.8%) 140 (16.5%) Injection site pain 12 (6.0%) 10 (4.9%) 3 (3.0%) 4 (3.5%) 2 (1.8%) 2 (6.3%) 33 (8.0%) 61 (7.2%) Injection site pruritus 19 (9.5%) 13 (6.4%) 4 (4.0%) 2 (1.8%) 6 (5.4%) 1 (3.1%) 17 (4.1%) 56 (6.6%) Injection site erythema 6 (3.0%) 9 (4.4%) 0 1 (0.9%) 4 (3.6%) 0 21 (5.1%) 40 (4.7%) Injection site induration 2 (1.0%) 2 (1.0%) 0 0 1 (0.9%) 0 7 (1.7%) 12 (1.4%) Injection site bruising 2 (1.0%) 2 (1.0%) 0 0 0 0 2 (0.5%) 6 (0.7%) Injection site swelling 1 (0.5%) 2 (1.0%) 0 1 (0.9%) 1 (0.9%) 0 1 (0.2%) 6 (0.7%) Injection site discomfort 1 (0.5%) 1 (0.5%) 0 0 0 0 3 (0.7%) 5 (0.6%) Injection site reaction 1 (0.5%) 0 0 0 3 (2.7%) 0 1 (0.2%) 5 (0.6%) Injection site cellulitis 0 1 (0.5%) 0 0 0 0 2 (0.5%) 3 (0.4%) Injection site infection 1 (0.5%) 0 1 (1.0%) 0 0 0 2 (0.5%) 3 (0.4%) Longer-term experience In an interim analysis of the ongoing open-label long-term safety study (13-0003), safety was evaluated for up to 12 injections over the course of a year (see Table 2 ). Adverse events were reported for 432 of 669 subjects during the treatment period. The overall adverse event profile was similar to the double-blind trial described above.
Rapid Induction study The proportion of patients who experienced an adverse event associated with opioid withdrawal was 31.4% in patients who received SUBLOCADE injection after an initial dose of transmucosal buprenorphine (rapid induction) and 25.1% in those who first received transmucosal buprenorphine for at least 7 days (standard induction). Three fentanyl positive patients in the rapid induction arm had serious adverse events associated with opioid withdrawal, and none in the standard induction arm.
Postmarketing Experience
The most frequently reported systemic postmarketing adverse event observed with buprenorphine sublingual tablets was drug misuse or abuse. The most frequently reported systemic postmarketing adverse event with buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets and film was peripheral edema. The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of buprenorphine.
Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Serotonin syndrome: Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs. Adrenal insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use.
Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in SUBLOCADE. Androgen deficiency: Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with chronic use of opioids . Hypoglycemia: Cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in patients taking opioids. Most reports were in patients with at least one predisposing risk factor (e.g., diabetes). Opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED): Cases of OIED have been reported in patients taking opioids and may occur more frequently in patients taking higher doses of opioids, and/or in patients taking opioids longer term.
Warnings & Cautions for Sublocade
Risk of Serious Harm or Death With Intravenous
Administration Intravenous injection presents significant risk of serious harm or death as SUBLOCADE forms a solid mass upon contact with body fluids. Occlusion, local tissue damage, and thrombo-embolic events, including life threatening pulmonary emboli, could result if administered intravenously . Do not administer intravenously, intramuscularly, or intradermally .
SUBLOCADE Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program
SUBLOCADE is available only through a restricted program called the SUBLOCADE REMS Program because of the risk of serious harm or death that could result from intravenous self-administration. The goal of the REMS is to mitigate serious harm or death that could result from intravenous self-administration by ensuring that healthcare settings and pharmacies are certified and only dispense SUBLOCADE directly to a healthcare provider for administration by a healthcare provider. Notable requirements of the SUBLOCADE REMS Program include the following: Healthcare Settings and Pharmacies that order and dispense SUBLOCADE must be certified in the SUBLOCADE REMS Program.
Certified Healthcare Settings and Pharmacies must establish processes and procedures to verify SUBLOCADE is provided directly to a healthcare provider for administration by a healthcare provider, and the drug is not dispensed to the patient. Certified Healthcare Settings and Pharmacies must not distribute, transfer, loan, or sell SUBLOCADE. Further information is available at www.SublocadeREMS.com or call 1-866-258-3905.
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
SUBLOCADE contains buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance that can be abused in a manner similar to other opioids. Buprenorphine is sought by people with opioid use disorder and is subject to criminal diversion. Monitor all patients for progression of opioid use disorder and addictive behaviors .
Risk of Life-Threatening Respiratory and Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression Buprenorphine has
been associated with life-threatening respiratory depression and death. Many, but not all, postmarketing reports regarding coma and death involved misuse by self-injection or were associated with the concomitant use of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol. Warn patients of the potential danger of self-administration of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants while under treatment with SUBLOCADE. Use SUBLOCADE with caution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cor pulmonale, decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression). Due to its extended-release characteristics, if SUBLOCADE is discontinued as a result of compromised respiratory function, monitor patients for ongoing buprenorphine effects for several months.
Educate patients and caregivers on how to recognize respiratory depression and emphasize the importance of calling 911 or getting emergency medical help right away in the event of a known or suspected overdose . Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia. Opioid use increases the risk of CSA in a dose-dependent fashion. In patients who present with CSA, consider decreasing the opioid dosage using best practices for opioid taper . Patient Access to an Opioid Overdose Reversal Agent for the Emergency Treatment of Opioid Overdose Inform patients and caregivers about opioid overdose reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) and discuss the importance of having access to an opioid overdose reversal agent.
Because patients being treated for opioid use disorder have the potential for relapse, putting them at risk for opioid overdose, strongly consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent for the emergency treatment of an opioid overdose, both when initiating and renewing treatment with SUBLOCADE. Also consider recommending or prescribing such an agent if the patient has household members (including children) or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or opioid overdose. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid overdose reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program). There are important differences among the opioid overdose reversal agents, such as route of administration, product strength, approved patient age range, and pharmacokinetics. Be familiar with these differences, as outlined in the approved labeling for those products, prior to recommending or prescribing such an agent.
Advise patients and caregivers that an opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone or nalmefene, may also be administered for a known or suspected overdose with buprenorphine itself. Higher than normal doses and repeated administration of an opioid overdose reversal agent may be necessary due to the long duration of action of buprenorphine and its affinity for the mu-opioid receptor . Educate patients and caregivers on how to recognize respiratory depression, and how to use an opioid overdose reversal agent for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. Emphasize the importance of calling 911 or getting emergency medical help, even if an opioid overdose reversal agent is administered.
Managing Risks From
Concomitant Use of Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants With Buprenorphine Concomitant use of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines and/or other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, non-benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids, and other opioids) increases the risk of adverse reactions including overdose, respiratory depression, and death. Medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder, however, should not be categorically denied to patients taking these drugs. Prohibiting or creating barriers to treatment can pose an even greater risk of morbidity and mortality due to the opioid use disorder alone.
As a routine part of orientation to buprenorphine treatment, educate patients about the risks of concomitant use of benzodiazepines, sedatives, opioid analgesics, and alcohol. Develop strategies to manage use of prescribed or illicit benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants at initiation of buprenorphine treatment, or if it emerges as a concern during treatment. Adjustments to induction procedures and additional monitoring may be required.
There is no evidence to support dose limitations or arbitrary caps of buprenorphine as a strategy to address benzodiazepine use in buprenorphine-treated patients. However, if a patient is sedated at the time of buprenorphine dosing, delay or omit the buprenorphine dose if appropriate. Cessation of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants is preferred in most cases of concomitant use with buprenorphine.
In some cases, monitoring in a higher level of care for taper may be appropriate. In others, gradually tapering a patient off of a prescribed benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant or decreasing to the lowest effective dose may be appropriate. For patients in buprenorphine treatment, benzodiazepines are not the treatment of choice for anxiety or insomnia.
Before co-prescribing benzodiazepines, ensure that patients are appropriately diagnosed and consider alternative medications and non-pharmacologic treatments to address anxiety or insomnia. Ensure that other healthcare providers prescribing benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants are aware of the patient's buprenorphine treatment and coordinate care to minimize the risks associated with concomitant use. If concomitant use is warranted, strongly consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent, as is recommended for all patients on buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder.
In addition, take measures to confirm that patients are taking their medications as prescribed and are not diverting or supplementing with illicit drugs. Toxicology screening should test for prescribed and illicit benzodiazepines .
Risk of Serious Injection Site Reactions Injection site reactions are most commonly
manifested by pain, erythema and pruritus. In some post-marketing case reports injection site reactions have involved abscess, ulceration, and necrosis. Some cases resulted in surgical depot removal, debridement, antibiotic administration, and SUBLOCADE discontinuation.
The likelihood of serious injection site reactions may be increased with inadvertent intramuscular or intradermal administration. Carefully review injection technique . Evaluate and treat serious injection site reactions as appropriate.
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is an expected
and treatable outcome of prolonged use of opioids during pregnancy, whether that use is medically-authorized or illicit. Unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, NOWS may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated in the neonate. Healthcare professionals should observe newborns for signs of NOWS and manage accordingly . Advise pregnant women receiving opioid addiction treatment with SUBLOCADE of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available . This risk should be balanced against the risk of untreated opioid addiction which often results in continued or relapsing illicit opioid use and is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes.
Therefore, prescribers should discuss the importance of management of opioid addiction throughout pregnancy.
Adrenal Insufficiency Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use
more often following greater than one month of use. Presentation of adrenal insufficiency may include non-specific symptoms and signs including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. If adrenal insufficiency is suspected, confirm the diagnosis with diagnostic testing as soon as possible.
If adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement doses of corticosteroids. Wean the patient off the opioid to allow adrenal function to recover and continue corticosteroid treatment until adrenal function recovers. Other opioids may be tried as some cases reported use of a different opioid without recurrence of adrenal insufficiency.
The information available does not identify any particular opioids as being more likely to be associated with adrenal insufficiency.
Risk of Opioid Withdrawal With Abrupt Discontinuation of
SUBLOCADE Treatment Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor and chronic administration produces physical dependence of the opioid type, characterized by withdrawal signs and symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation. The withdrawal syndrome is milder than that seen with full agonists and may be delayed in onset . Withdrawal signs and symptoms were not observed in the month following discontinuation of SUBLOCADE. Considering the long half-life, any withdrawal signs and symptoms that may occur would be expected to be delayed . Model simulations indicate that steady-state buprenorphine plasma concentrations decreased slowly over time following the last injection and remained at therapeutic levels for 2 to 5 months on average, depending on the dosage administered (100 or 300 mg, respectively). Patients who elect to discontinue treatment with SUBLOCADE should be monitored for withdrawal signs and symptoms. Consider transmucosal buprenorphine if needed to treat withdrawal after discontinuing SUBLOCADE. 5.10 Risk of Hepatitis, Hepatic Events Cases of cytolytic hepatitis and hepatitis with jaundice have been observed in individuals receiving buprenorphine in clinical trials and through postmarketing adverse event reports.
The spectrum of abnormalities ranges from transient asymptomatic elevations in hepatic transaminases to case reports of death, hepatic failure, hepatic necrosis, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatic encephalopathy. In many cases, the presence of pre-existing liver enzyme abnormalities, infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus, concomitant usage of other potentially hepatotoxic drugs, and ongoing injecting drug use may have played a causative or contributory role. In other cases, insufficient data were available to determine the etiology of the abnormality.
Withdrawal of buprenorphine has resulted in amelioration of acute hepatitis in some cases, however, in other cases no dose reduction was necessary. The possibility exists that buprenorphine had a causative or contributory role in the development of the hepatic abnormality in some cases. In one subject in the SUBLOCADE clinical program, surgical removal was followed by improvement in liver enzymes.
Liver function tests, prior to initiation of treatment, are recommended to establish a baseline. Monthly monitoring of liver function during treatment, particularly with 300 mg maintenance dose, is also recommended. An etiological evaluation is recommended when a hepatic adverse event is suspected. 5.11 Hypersensitivity Reactions Cases of hypersensitivity to buprenorphine-containing products have been reported both in clinical trials and in the postmarketing experience.
Cases of bronchospasm, angioneurotic edema, and anaphylactic shock have been reported. The most common signs and symptoms include rashes, hives, and pruritus. A history of hypersensitivity to buprenorphine is a contraindication to the use of SUBLOCADE . 5.12 Precipitation of Opioid Withdrawal in Patients Dependent on Full Agonist Opioids Because of the partial opioid agonist properties of buprenorphine, buprenorphine may precipitate opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms in persons who are currently physically dependent on full opioid agonists if administered before the effects of the full opioid agonist have subsided, at least 6 hours for short-acting opioids (e.g., heroin, morphine) and 24 hours for long-acting opioids (e.g., methadone). Verify that patients have tolerated transmucosal buprenorphine before administering the first injection of SUBLOCADE. 5.13 Risks Associated With Treatment of Emergent Acute Pain While on SUBLOCADE, situations may arise where patients need acute pain management, or may require anesthesia.
Treat patients receiving SUBLOCADE with a non-opioid analgesic whenever possible. Patients requiring opioid therapy for analgesia may be treated with a high-affinity full opioid analgesic under the supervision of a physician, with particular attention to respiratory function. Higher doses may be required for analgesic effect.
Therefore, a higher potential for toxicity exists with opioid administration. If opioid therapy is required as part of anesthesia, patients should be continuously monitored in an anesthesia care setting by persons not involved in the conduct of the surgical or diagnostic procedure. The opioid therapy should be provided by individuals specifically trained in the use of anesthetic drugs and the management of the respiratory effects of potent opioids, specifically the establishment and maintenance of a patent airway and assisted ventilation.
Advise patients of the importance of instructing their family members, in the event of emergency, to inform the treating healthcare provider or emergency room staff that the patient is physically dependent on an opioid and that the patient is being treated with SUBLOCADE . The above guidance should also be considered for any patient who has been treated with SUBLOCADE within the last 6 months. 5.14 Use in Opioid Naïve Patients There have been reported deaths of opioid naïve individuals who received a 2 mg dose of buprenorphine as a sublingual tablet. SUBLOCADE is not appropriate for use in opioid naïve patients. 5.15 Use in Patients With Impaired Hepatic Function In a pharmacokinetic study with transmucosal buprenorphine, buprenorphine plasma levels were found to be higher and the half-life was found to be longer in subjects with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, but not in subjects with mild hepatic impairment. The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of SUBLOCADE has not been studied.
Because of the long-acting nature of the product, adjustments to dosages of SUBLOCADE are not rapidly reflected in plasma buprenorphine levels. Because buprenorphine levels cannot be rapidly decreased, patients with pre-existing moderate to severe hepatic impairment are not candidates for treatment with SUBLOCADE. Patients who develop moderate to severe hepatic impairment while being treated with SUBLOCADE should be monitored for several months for signs and symptoms of toxicity or overdose caused by increased levels of buprenorphine . 5.16 QTc Prolongation Thorough QT studies with buprenorphine products have demonstrated QT prolongation ≤ 15 msec. This QTc prolongation effect does not appear to be mediated by hERG channels.
Based on these two findings, buprenorphine is unlikely to be pro-arrhythmic when used alone in patients without risk factors. The risk of combining buprenorphine with other QT-prolonging agents is not known. Consider these observations in clinical decisions when prescribing SUBLOCADE to patients with risk factors such as hypokalemia, bradycardia, recent conversion from atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, digitalis therapy, baseline QT prolongation, subclinical long-QT syndrome, or severe hypomagnesemia. 5.17 Impairment of Ability to Drive or Operate Machinery SUBLOCADE may impair the mental or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially dangerous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery especially during the first few days following treatment and dose adjustment.
Buprenorphine plasma levels accumulate during the first two months and are maintained with the 100 mg maintenance dose; further accumulation occurs with the 300 mg maintenance dose, which achieves steady-state after the fourth monthly injection. Caution patients about driving or operating hazardous machinery until they are reasonably certain that SUBLOCADE does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities. 5.18 Orthostatic Hypotension Buprenorphine may produce orthostatic hypotension in ambulatory patients. 5.19 Elevation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure Buprenorphine may elevate cerebrospinal fluid pressure and should be used with caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, and other circumstances when cerebrospinal pressure may be increased. Buprenorphine can produce miosis and changes in the level of consciousness that may interfere with patient evaluation. 5.20 Elevation of Intracholedochal Pressure Buprenorphine has been shown to increase intracholedochal pressure, as do other opioids, and thus should be administered with caution to patients with dysfunction of the biliary tract. 5.21 Effects in Acute Abdominal Conditions Buprenorphine may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course of patients with acute abdominal conditions. 5.22 Unintentional Pediatric Exposure Buprenorphine can cause severe, possibly fatal, respiratory depression in children who are accidentally exposed to it.
Drug Interactions with Sublocade
Table 5 includes clinically significant drug interactions with SUBLOCADE. Table 5 Clinically Significant Drug Interactions Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effects, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, increases the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Intervention: Cessation of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants is preferred in most cases of concomitant use. In some cases, monitoring in a higher level of care for taper may be appropriate.
In others, gradually tapering a patient off of a prescribed benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant or decreasing to the lowest effective dose may be appropriate. Similarly, cessation of other CNS depressants is preferred when possible. Before co-prescribing benzodiazepines for anxiety or insomnia, ensure that patients are appropriately diagnosed and consider alternative medications and non-pharmacologic treatments . If concomitant use is warranted, strongly consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent, as is recommended for all patients on buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder.
Examples: Alcohol, benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), and other opioids. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 Clinical Impact: The effects of co-administered CYP3A4 inhibitors on buprenorphine exposure in subjects treated with SUBLOCADE have not been studied and the effects may be dependent on the route of administration; however, such interactions have been established in studies using transmucosal buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is metabolized to norbuprenorphine primarily by CYP3A4; therefore, potential interactions may occur when SUBLOCADE is given concurrently with agents that affect CYP3A4 activity.
The concomitant use of sublingual buprenorphine and CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) can increase the plasma concentration of buprenorphine, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects. Intervention: Patients who transfer to SUBLOCADE treatment from a regimen of transmucosal buprenorphine used concomitantly with CYP3A4 inhibitors should be monitored to ensure that the plasma buprenorphine level provided by SUBLOCADE is adequate. If patients already on SUBLOCADE require newly-initiated treatment with CYP3A4 inhibitors, the patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of over-medication.
Within 2 weeks of SUBLOCADE administration, if signs and symptoms of buprenorphine toxicity or overdose occur but the concomitant medication cannot be reduced or discontinued, it may be necessary to remove the depot and treat the patient with a formulation of buprenorphine that permits dose adjustments. Conversely, if a patient has been stabilized on SUBLOCADE in the setting of concomitant medication that is a CYP3A4 inhibitor, and the concomitant medication is discontinued, the patient should be monitored for withdrawal. If the dose of SUBLOCADE is not adequate in the absence of the concomitant medication, that patient should be transitioned back to a formulation of buprenorphine that permits dose adjustments.
Examples: Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact: The effects of co-administered CYP3A4 inducers on buprenorphine exposure in subjects treated with SUBLOCADE have not been studied. Buprenorphine is metabolized to norbuprenorphine primarily by CYP3A4; therefore, potential interactions may occur when SUBLOCADE is given concurrently with agents that affect CYP3A4 activity. CYP3A4 inducers may induce the metabolism of buprenorphine and, therefore, may cause increased clearance of the drug which could lead to a decrease in buprenorphine plasma concentrations, lack of efficacy or, possibly, development of an abstinence syndrome.
Intervention: Patients who transfer to SUBLOCADE treatment from a regimen of transmucosal buprenorphine used concomitantly with CYP3A4 inducers should be monitored to ensure that the plasma buprenorphine level provided by SUBLOCADE is adequate. If patients already on SUBLOCADE require newly-initiated treatment with CYP3A4 inducers, the patients should be monitored for withdrawal. If the dose of SUBLOCADE is not adequate in the absence of the concomitant medication, and the concomitant medication cannot be reduced or discontinued, that patient should be transitioned back to a formulation of buprenorphine that permits dose adjustments.
Conversely, if a patient has been stabilized on SUBLOCADE in the setting of concomitant medication that is a CYP3A4 inducer, and the concomitant medication is discontinued, the patient should be monitored for signs and symptoms of over-medication. Within 2 weeks of SUBLOCADE administration, if the dose provided by SUBLOCADE is excessive in the absence of the concomitant inducer, it may be necessary to remove the SUBLOCADE and treat the patient with a formulation of buprenorphine that permits dose adjustments . Examples: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital Antiretrovirals: Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) Clinical Impact: Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are metabolized principally by CYP3A4. Efavirenz, nevirapine, and etravirine are known CYP3A inducers, whereas delavirdine is a CYP3A inhibitor. Significant pharmacokinetic interactions between NNRTIs (e.g., efavirenz and delavirdine) and sublingual buprenorphine have been shown in clinical studies, but these pharmacokinetic interactions did not result in any significant pharmacodynamic effects.
Intervention: Patients who are on chronic treatment with SUBLOCADE should be monitored for increase or decrease in therapeutic effects if NNRTIs are added to their treatment regimen. Examples: Efavirenz, nevirapine, etravirine, delavirdine Antiretrovirals: Protease inhibitors (PIs) Clinical Impact: Studies have shown some antiretroviral protease inhibitors (PIs) with CYP3A4 inhibitory activity (nelfinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, ritonavir) have little effect on sublingual buprenorphine pharmacokinetic and no significant pharmacodynamic effects. Other PIs with CYP3A4 inhibitory activity (atazanavir and atazanavir/ritonavir) resulted in elevated levels of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine after sublingual administration, and patients in one study reported increased sedation.
Symptoms of opioid excess have been found in postmarketing reports of patients receiving sublingual buprenorphine and atazanavir with and without ritonavir concomitantly. Intervention: If treatment with atazanavir with and without ritonavir must be initiated in a patient already treated with SUBLOCADE, the patient should be monitored for signs and symptoms of over-medication. It may be necessary to remove the depot and treat the patient with a sublingual buprenorphine product that permits rapid dose adjustments.
Examples: Atazanavir, ritonavir Antiretrovirals: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) Clinical Impact: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) do not appear to induce or inhibit the P450 enzyme pathway, thus no interactions with buprenorphine are expected. Intervention: None Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome. Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, carefully monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation, and during dose adjustment of the serotonergic drug.
Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma). Intervention: The use of SUBLOCADE is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. Examples: Phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid Muscle Relaxants Clinical Impact: Buprenorphine may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression. Intervention: Monitor patients receiving muscle relaxants and SUBLOCADE for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected and decrease the dosage of the muscle relaxant as necessary.
Due to the risk of respiratory depression with concomitant use of skeletal muscle relaxants and opioids, strongly consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent, as is recommended for all patients on buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder . Examples: cyclobenzaprine, metaxolone Diuretics Clinical Impact: Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. Intervention: Monitor patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed. Anticholinergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase the risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus.
Intervention: Monitor patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when SUBLOCADE is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs. CYP3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers : Monitor patients starting or ending CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers for potential over- or under-dosing. Serotonergic Drugs : If concomitant use is warranted, monitor for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation, and during dose adjustment of the serotonergic drug.
Pregnancy Safety for Sublocade
Pregnancy Risk Summary The data on use of buprenorphine, the active ingredient in SUBLOCADE, in pregnancy, are limited; however, these data do not indicate an increased risk of major malformations specifically due to buprenorphine exposure. There are limited data from randomized clinical trials in women maintained on buprenorphine that were not designed appropriately to assess the risk of major malformations . Observational studies have reported congenital malformations among buprenorphine‐exposed pregnancies, but were also not designed appropriately to assess the risk of congenital malformations specifically due to buprenorphine exposure . In animal reproduction studies with SUBLOCADE, SUBLOCADE administered subcutaneously to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at a buprenorphine dose equivalent to 38 and 15 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 300 mg caused embryolethality, which appeared to be attributable primarily to the SUBLOCADE vehicle (ATRIGEL ® delivery system). In addition, reduced fetal body weights, increased visceral malformations and skeletal malformations were observed in rats and rabbits at buprenorphine doses equivalent to 38 and 15 times, respectively, the MRHD. These effects were also observed with the ATRIGEL ® delivery system alone, but the skeletal and visceral malformations in rat appear at least partially attributable to buprenorphine . Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. SUBLOCADE should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and embryo-fetal risk Untreated opioid addiction in pregnancy is associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and fetal death. In addition, untreated opioid addiction often results in continued or relapsing illicit opioid use. Fetal/neonatal adverse reactions Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome may occur in newborn infants of mothers who are receiving treatment with SUBLOCADE. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or failure to gain weight.
Signs of neonatal withdrawal usually occur in the first days after birth. The duration and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome may vary. Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly . Labor or Delivery Opioid-dependent women on buprenorphine maintenance therapy may require additional analgesia during labor.
As with all opioids, use of buprenorphine prior to delivery may result in respiratory depression in the newborn. Closely monitor neonates for signs of respiratory depression. An opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone or nalmefene, should be available for reversal of opioid induced respiratory depression in the neonate.
Data Human Data Studies have been conducted to evaluate neonatal outcomes in women exposed to buprenorphine during pregnancy. Limited data on malformations from trials, observational studies, case series, and case reports on buprenorphine use in pregnancy do not indicate an increased risk of major malformations specifically due to buprenorphine. Pregnancy in an opioid dependent woman poses challenges to treating physicians and potential hazards for the fetus including control of illicit drug, nicotine and alcohol use, infections, premature birth, abortion, low birth weight, toxaemia, third trimester bleeding, malpresentation, puerperal morbidity, fetal distress, meconium aspiration, narcotic withdrawal, postnatal growth deficiency, microcephaly, (neuro-) developmental disorders and increased neonatal mortality.
A multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, flexible-dose study in 175 pregnant women was conducted to study outcomes in neonates born to mothers using methadone or buprenorphine, including the number of neonates requiring treatment for NOWS, the Peak NOWS score, the total amount of morphine needed to treat NOWS, the length of hospital stay for neonates, and neonatal head circumference. The authors found that 18% of pregnant women in the methadone group and 33% in the buprenorphine group discontinued treatment over the course of the pregnancy. They reported no significant difference in the incidence of NOWS, but in the prenatally buprenorphine-exposed condition, the duration of treatment for NOWS was shorter, duration of hospital stays were shorter and the amount of morphine required was significantly less; however, methodological concerns limit the conclusions that may be made.
Animal Data In an embryofetal development study in rats, SUBLOCADE administered subcutaneously to pregnant animals before mating and again on Gestation Day (GD) 7 during the period of organogenesis resulted in increased post-implantation loss, which correlated with higher mean number of resorptions and decreased number of viable fetuses per litter, and decreased mean fetal body weights at 900 mg/kg (approximately 38 times the maximum recommended human dose of 300 mg of SUBLOCADE on an AUC basis); however, similar effects were observed with an equivalent level of ATRIGEL ® delivery system alone, indicating they may be attributable to the vehicle. Dose-related increases in incidences of skeletal malformations of the head and visceral malformations were observed with SUBLOCADE with significant changes at 900 mg/kg (approximately 38 times the MRHD on an AUC basis). Although similar effects were observed with equivalent levels of ATRIGEL ® delivery system, the incidence of skeletal malformations, primarily skull malformations, was higher in the SUBLOCADE groups suggesting that buprenorphine contributed to the increased incidence. Based on these results, the NOAEL for developmental toxicity was approximately 15 times the MRHD on an AUC basis.
In an embryofetal development study in rabbits, administration of a single subcutaneous injection of SUBLOCADE to pregnant animals on GD 7 during the period of organogenesis resulted an increased litter incidence of skeletal malformations at 155 mg/kg (approximately 7 times the MRHD on an AUC basis), which appear to be buprenorphine-related adverse effects. There was also an increased litter incidence of external malformations, visceral, and skeletal malformations and variations at 390 mg/kg SUBLOCADE (approximately 15 times the MRHD on an AUC basis); however, similar effects were observed with an equivalent level of the ATRIGEL ® delivery system, indicating they may be attributable to the vehicle. In addition, increased post-implantation loss, which correlated with increased mean number of resorptions and decreased mean number of viable fetuses, and decreased fetal body weights were observed at 390 mg/kg (approximately 15 times the MRHD on an AUC basis); however, similar findings were also observed with an equivalent level of the ATRIGEL ® delivery system alone.
Based on these results, the NOAEL for developmental toxicity for SUBLOCADE was 78 mg/kg (approximately 2 times the MRHD on an AUC basis). In a pre- and postnatal development study in rats, SUBLOCADE was administered subcutaneously to pregnant animals once during implantation (on GD 7) and once during weaning (on Lactation Day 7). There were no adverse effects on offspring survival, sexual maturation, behavioral assessment, or reproductive performance at up to 300 mg/kg (approximately 15 times the MRHD on an AUC basis).
Pediatric Use of Sublocade
Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of SUBLOCADE have not been established in pediatric patients.
Contraindications for Sublocade
should not be administered to patients who have been shown to be hypersensitive to buprenorphine or any component of the ATRIGEL ® delivery system . Hypersensitivity to buprenorphine or any other ingredients in SUBLOCADE.
Overdosage Information for Sublocade
Clinical Presentation The manifestations of acute buprenorphine overdose include pinpoint pupils, sedation, hypotension, hypoglycemia, respiratory depression, and death. Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been reported after opioid overdose and can present hours, days, or weeks after apparent recovery from the initial intoxication. Treatment of Overdose In the event of overdose, the respiratory and cardiac status of the patient should be monitored carefully.
When respiratory or cardiac functions are depressed, primary attention should be given to the re establishment of adequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. Oxygen, IV fluids, vasopressors, and other supportive measures should be considered as indicated. An opioid overdose reversal agent may be of value for the management of buprenorphine overdose.
Higher than normal doses and repeated administration may be necessary. Clinicians should consider the potential role and contribution of buprenorphine, other opioids, and other CNS depressant drugs in a patient's clinical presentation. Clinical data are limited with regards to the possible surgical removal of the depot.
Two cases of surgical removal were reported in premarketing clinical studies.
Clinical Studies of Sublocade
Study 13-0002
NCT02044094 The opioid blockade study evaluated the blockade of subjective opioid effects, PK and safety of subcutaneous injections of SUBLOCADE in 39 subjects with OUD (not treatment-seeking). The peak (E max ) effect of “Drug Liking” Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measurement after challenge with IM injections of 6 mg and 18 mg hydromorphone (HM) was not inferior (i.e., shown to be not substantially more likeable) compared to the E max of “Drug Liking” VAS measured after challenge with placebo (at weeks 1 through 4 following the first injection of 300 mg SUBLOCADE). The noninferiority (NI) margin, the largest difference allowed for the 6 or 18 mg HM VAS to exceed the placebo VAS (the maximum VAS recorded following IM injection of 0 mg HM) before being considered significant, was set at 20. Based on comparison to the historical response to opioid agonists in unblocked subjects, a difference of less than 20 points (on a unipolar scale) between the mean maximum response to hydromorphone and the mean maximum placebo response for the same challenge was considered to indicate near-complete blockade. All 12 weeks of the treatment period demonstrated blockade for both 6 mg and 18 mg following SUBLOCADE injections. However, wide variation can be seen in isolated measurements from individual subjects, shown in the figure below.
For comparison, stabilization doses of SL buprenorphine in Week 0 failed to provide full blockade to 18 mg of HM. Complete blockade continued throughout the 8 weeks of observation that followed the 2 nd SUBLOCADE injection. Figure 12 Median (95% Confidence Interval) of Placebo-Corrected Drug-Liking Scores by Hydromorphone Dose and by Week Key to Figure: The grey shaded area indicates the period where subjects were stabilized with 8 to 24 mg/day sublingual (SL) buprenorphine; the two vertical arrows represent treatment injections of SUBLOCADE, with 300 mg of buprenorphine. The light grey and dark grey squares represent the median E max drug-liking scores, placebo-corrected (VAS drug liking for that week's 0 mg dose subtracted) during the hydromorphone challenge of 6 and 18 mg, respectively.
This median Placebo-Corrected E max is shown by treatment week, together with its 95% confidence interval (CI; vertical line). In some cases, 95% CI are not visible as the median was equal to the confidence limit. The horizontal line at 20 mm delineates the non-inferiority margin for opioid blockade. Next to median estimates, individual data are summarized by circles, the area of which is proportional to the number of subjects at that location.
The X axis shows how many weeks following injection #1 that each weeks' Placebo-Corrected Drug-Liking Score was measured. Beneath that treatment week indicator, is the number of subjects (N) who provided those VAS measurements for all three challenges with placebo, 6 and 18 mg hydromorphone. Figure 12
Study 13-0001
NCT02357901 The efficacy of SUBLOCADE for the treatment of opioid use disorder was evaluated in a Phase 3, 24- week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial in treatment-seeking patients who met the DSM-5 criteria for moderate or severe opioid use disorder. Patients were randomized to one of following dosing regimens: 6 once-monthly 300 mg doses, 2 once-monthly 300 mg doses followed by 4 once-monthly 100 mg doses, or 6 once-monthly subcutaneous injections of placebo. All doses were administered by a physician or suitably qualified designee and were separated by 28 ± 2 days.
In addition to study medication, all subjects received manual-guided psychosocial support at least once a week (Individual Drug Counseling = IDC). Prior to the first dose, treatment was initiated with SUBOXONE ® (buprenorphine/naloxone) sublingual film (SUBOXONE SL Film); doses were adjusted from 8/2 mg to 24/6 mg per day over a period of 7-14 days. Patients were randomized to SUBLOCADE injection or placebo after cravings and withdrawal symptoms were clinically controlled. After randomization, supplemental dosing with SUBOXONE SL Film was not permitted during the study.
Efficacy was evaluated over Weeks 5 through 24 based on weekly urine drug screens combined with self-reported use of illicit opioid use. A “grace period” was applied for Weeks 1 through 4 to allow patients to stabilize in treatment. During this period, opioid use, if it occurred, was not considered in the analysis.
Missing urine drug screen samples and/or self-reports during Weeks 5-24 were counted as positive for illicit opioids. A total of 504 patients were randomized 4:4:1:1. Patient demographics and baseline characteristics are provided in Table 8. Table 8 Patient Demographics and Baseline Characteristics SUBLOCADE 300/100 mg % (N = 194) SUBLOCADE 300/300 mg % (N = 196) Placebo % (N = 99) Mean Age (years) 40.4 39.3
Sex Male 66.0 67.3 64.6 Female 34.0 32.7 35.4 Race or Ethnicity
White 68.0 71.4
Substance Use At Screening Opioid Use - Injectable Route 43.3 40.8 50.5
Tobacco 91.8 92.3
Alcohol 78.4 79.1 80.8 Drug Use History Cannabinoids 54.6 47.4 52.5 Cocaine
47.4 39.8
Amphetamine/Methamphetamine 25.3 14.8 19.2 Medical History Depression 14.4 11.2 13.1 Anxiety 9.3
9.7
Back Pain 14.9 16.3 13.1
Based on the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the percentage of urine samples negative for illicit opioids combined with self-reports negative for illicit opioid use collected from Week 5 through Week 24 ( Table 9 ), regardless of dose, SUBLOCADE was superior to the placebo group with statistical significance. The proportion of patients achieving treatment success (defined as patients with ≥ 80% opioid-free weeks) was statistically significantly higher in both groups receiving SUBLOCADE compared to the placebo group (28.4%, 29.1%, 2% ). For various percentages of opioid-free weeks, Table 9 shows the fraction of patients achieving that criterion. The table is cumulative, so that a patient whose percent of opioid-free weeks is, for example, 50%, is also included at every level of opioid-free week percentage below 50%. Missing values and values after premature discontinuation were considered positive.
Figure 13 Subjects Achieving Varying Percentages of Opioid-Free Weeks Table 9 Cumulative Distribution Function of Percentage of Opioid-Free Weeks Number (%) of Subjects SUBLOCADE SUBLOCADE 300 mg/100 mg + IDC 300 mg/300 mg + IDC Placebo + IDC Percentage Opioid-Free Weeks (N = 194) (N = 196) (N = 99) ≥ 0% 194 196 99 ≥ 10% 139 126 11 ≥ 20% 115 111 7 ≥ 30% 101 101 6 ≥ 40% 90 90 6 ≥ 50% 86 82 4 ≥ 60% 78 70 4 ≥ 70% 66 67 2 ≥ 80% 55 57 2 ≥ 90% 41 48 2 = 100% 25 23 1 Figure 13
Rapid
Induction Substudy INDV-6000-401, NCT04995029 Induction on SUBLOCADE following a single dose of 4 mg transmucosal buprenorphine was compared to standard induction (minimum of 7 days of transmucosal buprenorphine) based on data from 723 treatment-seeking patients with moderate to severe OUD and high-risk opioid use. High-risk opioid use was defined as using five or more days per week either via IV injection, high doses (at least 500 mg IV heroin equivalent), or potent synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl). At induction, 77.5% of patients were fentanyl positive by urine drug screen (UDS). In this open-label study, patients were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to SUBLOCADE rapid induction or standard induction and stratified according to the same-day UDS result for fentanyl due to the potential for fentanyl use to impact the response to induction. For rapid induction, patients were observed at a minimum of 1 hour after receiving a single dose of 4 mg transmucosal buprenorphine to confirm tolerability before administering the first injection of 300 mg SUBLOCADE. On induction day, up to an additional 8 mg of transmucosal buprenorphine could be administered to manage withdrawal symptoms.
In both treatment groups, the second 300 mg injection was administered at 1 week after the first SUBLOCADE injection and subsequent injections were scheduled every 4 weeks. Rapid induction was effective, shown by the primary endpoint of participant retention at the second injection. The proportion of participants who received the second injection was 66.4% in the rapid induction arm and 54.5% in the standard induction arm; the estimated retention rate difference (rapid induction minus standard induction) in the overall population was 11.8% with a lower bound of multiplicity adjusted two-sided 95% confidence interval greater than the pre-specified non-inferiority margin of -10%. This demonstrated non-inferiority of rapid induction to standard induction.
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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