Buprenorphine Induction in Persons With Opioid Use Disorder Hospitalized with Acute Hepatitis A.

Background: It is not known whether buprenorphine/naloxone (bup/nx) can be safely initiated in hospitalized patients with acute hepatitis A infection. We assessed liver function and tolerability of bup/nx induction in patients with acute Hepatitis A Virus (HAV).
Methods: Retrospective review of patients (N = 31) admitted to a tertiary care facility for acute HAV who were evaluated by an addiction medicine consultant.
Results: No significant difference was seen in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, or INR trends in patients receiving bup/nx during hospitalization versus those not receiving bup/nx. Nausea was the most common reported symptom in patients receiving bup/nx.
Discussion and Conclusions: With careful monitoring and induction dose adjustment, bup/nx can be administered to patients with acute HAV without hepatic encephalopathy. Similarly, patients on bup/nx before hospitalization should not have this medication held in the setting of acute HAV.
Scientific Significance: This strategy may engage patients with acute HAV in treatment of OUD earlier and minimize disruptions in treatment.
Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interests to disclose.
(Copyright © 2020 American Society of Addiction Medicine.)