Analysis of the utility of the Buprenorphine/Naloxone combination for the management of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): A literature review

Thiago   de Arruda Cavalcante; Marcelo Adrián   Estrin

doi:10.59471/ijhsc2025261

Authors

Thiago de Arruda Cavalcante Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana. Argentina Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5908-5130
Marcelo Adrián Estrin Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana. Argentina Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5748-3109

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59471/ijhsc2025261

Keywords:

Opioid, Buprenorphine, Naloxone, OUD, Methadone, Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic condition characterized by loss of control over opioid use, compulsive use, and continuation of opioid use despite harm. If left untreated, OUD is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This disorder may involve the use of natural opioids, pharmaceutical opioids or illicit substances such as heroin or fentanyl.
Objective: to analyze the relevance and efficacy of the buprenorphine/naloxone combination in the treatment of OUD.
Methods: a search was performed in databases such as Pubmed, SciELO and Cochrane. Relevant articles were selected and cited using the Zotero system. The research includes recent studies on the use of buprenorphine/naloxone combination in the management of OUD.
Results: 12 studies that met the search criteria were analyzed. The results highlighted the importance of buprenorphine/naloxone combination in the treatment of OUD. The systematic review allowed us to identify the benefits of these drugs, such as the reduction of opioid use, mortality and adverse effects, improving quality of life.
Conclusions: the buprenorphine/naloxone combination is effective in the treatment of OUD, achieving a significant reduction in the use of opioids and improving the quality of life of patients by reducing mortality and associated adverse effects

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