This retrospective case series describes nine women with opioid use disorder who switched from sublingual buprenorphine to once-monthly extended-release injectable buprenorphine during the first year after childbirth. The researchers reviewed medical records for patients treated between January 2017 and March 2020, with an average follow-up of approximately 281 days.
All nine women expressed a preference for the injection, and six also reported challenges taking sublingual medication. Four later switched back to sublingual buprenorphine, including for reasons such as side effects or incarceration. At follow-up, all nine remained on one of the two buprenorphine formulations; the five continuing injections had consistently negative urine tests for nonprescribed opioids during the study period. The authors considered the injectable formulation a potentially feasible postpartum option, while emphasizing the need for larger studies.
Original summary for clinical review. Read the published study.
