Inpatient initiation of long-acting injectable buprenorphine for adolescents and young adults with opioid use disorder

INTRODUCTION: Long-acting injectable buprenorphine may be a promising treatment option for adolescents and young adults with opioid use disorder (OUD). However, little is known about its safety, tolerability, and effectiveness in this age group. METHODS: We conducted a 1-year feasibility study of elective inpatient buprenorphine induction followed by administration of long-acting injectable buprenorphine and linkage to ongoing substance use care in individuals <21 years in a safety-net health system (n = 18). RESULTS: Eighteen of 22 (82%) of patients admitted to an inpatient unit for buprenorphine initiation opted to receive the long-acting injectable formulation upon completion of induction. Of 18 patients who received long-acting injectable buprenorphine, 15 (83%) and 12 (67%) remained in care at one- and two-months post discharge, respectively. Eleven (61%) participants received repeat doses at both one- and two-months post discharge. Fourteen (78%) and 12 (67%) participants had not returned to opioid use at one- and two- months post discharge, respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study of adolescents and young adults with OUD demonstrated that inpatient initiation of long-acting injectable buprenorphine after a brief induction with short-acting buprenorphine may be safe, well tolerated, and effective in terms of linkage, retention in care, and return to opioid use.