The U.S. government’s removal of a special waiver requirement last year has made it easier for doctors to prescribe buprenorphine, a key medication for opioid addiction. However, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that despite these looser restrictions and the ongoing overdose crisis, there has been little change in the number of people taking buprenorphine. The study analyzed prescriptions filled by U.S. pharmacies for buprenorphine, finding that while the number of prescribers rose by 27% in 2023 compared to 2022, the number of patients filling prescriptions only increased by about 2%. Dr. Kao-Ping Chua, co-author of the study, attributes this discrepancy to persistent barriers, including insurance hurdles, the high cost of the medication, limited availability in pharmacies, and the belief among some doctors that patients with addiction take up too much time. Furthermore, some individuals may be hesitant to try buprenorphine due to the stigma surrounding it and the misconception that they cannot achieve true recovery while using an opioid-based medication. Despite these challenges, experts emphasize the need for the government to encourage and compel hospitals and health systems to provide more treatment options for opioid addiction. Dr. Ryan Marino, who has treated hundreds of people with buprenorphine, stresses that it is a relatively simple medication to use and can be prescribed by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors. The study findings underscore the importance of addressing the barriers to accessing buprenorphine and highlight the ongoing need for comprehensive approaches to addressing the opioid overdose crisis.
Buprenorphine Prescriptions Increase, but Patient Usage Remains Low
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