Review article. Buprenorphine in the workers' compensation setting

Stephen Colameco, MD, MEd, FASAM; Mel Pohl, MD, FASAM

doi:10.5055/jom.2014.0215

Authors

Stephen Colameco, MD, MEd, FASAM
Mel Pohl, MD, FASAM

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2014.0215

Keywords:

buprenorphine, workers' compensation, chronic pain, opioid dependence

Abstract

Buprenorphine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chronic pain in low-dose transdermal patch formulations and for the treatment of addiction in high-dose sublingual tablets and films. Clinicians often prescribe these high-dose preparations “off label” for pain management. In the workers' compensation setting, it is particularly important to consider factors such as a) if the injured person has, and is being treated for co-occurring addiction as well as pain; b) if alternative therapies, including opioid withdrawal, were considered prior to initiating buprenorphine treatment; and c) the anticipated duration of treatment. This article reviews buprenorphine's approved indications, formulations, pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and special considerations in the workers' compensation setting.

Author Biographies

Stephen Colameco, MD, MEd, FASAM

Family Medicine, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey.

Mel Pohl, MD, FASAM

Medical Director, Las Vegas Recovery Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.

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