Long-acting injectable buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid dependence

This learning module explores the nature of opioid dependence and the diagnostic criteria for opioid use disorder, then outlines the use of pharmacotherapies in medication assisted treatment of opioid dependence (MATOD) and the benefits of opioid agonist treatment including long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) products.

This is the first module in a two-part series; we recommend enrolling in Practical use of long-acting injectable buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid dependence after completion of this activity.

Upon completion of this module the participant should be able to:

• Explain the characteristic features of opioid dependence, and common illicit and licit opioid drugs that can cause dependence and addiction and their associated harms.
• Outline the challenges faced by opioid dependent patients who attend a pharmacy or clinic for regular supervised dosing of opioid agonist therapy (OAT).
• Outline the benefits of becoming an OAT prescriber, and identify ways in which long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) products may mitigate some of the concerns and challenges around daily dosing.
• Determine the differences between different LAIB formulations.

This activity is sponsored by Camurus.