The purpose of this study is to develop and pilot test clinical guidelines for the use of
buprenorphine for the treatment chronic pain among patients with substance abuse histories.
Buprenorphine, an opioid medication, holds promise as a treatment of chronic pain because,
compared to most other opioid analgesics, it has a high safety profile, a low level of
physical dependence, and mild withdrawal symptoms on cessation. Moreover there are promising
reports from Europe of its use as a skin patch to treat chronic pain as well as clinical
reports in the U.S. that it may be effective when used sublingually (placed under the
tongue). This study will test the sublingual formulation.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator:
Beth Israel Medical Center
Treatments:
Buprenorphine Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination