Buprenorphine/naloxone, oral, greater than 6 mg, but less than or equal to 10 mg buprenorphine
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Buprenorphine/Naloxone Oral Administration
- Common Names: Suboxone administration, Buprenorphine treatment
- Technical Terms: Buprenorphine/naloxone, oral intake, dosage 6-10 mg of buprenorphine
Summary
The procedure involves the oral administration of a medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone. This medication is used to treat opioid dependence and is given in a dose that contains more than 6 mg but less than or equal to 10 mg of buprenorphine.
Purpose
Medical Conditions: Opioid dependence, opioid use disorder. Goals: To reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction, support recovery, and provide a stable foundation for further therapy.
Indications
Symptoms/Conditions: Individuals struggling with opioid addiction, persistent cravings, withdrawal symptoms. Patient Criteria: Patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder who require medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and have not found success with lower doses.
Preparation
Pre-Procedure Instructions: No specific fasting or extensive pre-procedure instructions required. Patients should follow general dietary and medication intake guidelines provided by their healthcare provider. Diagnostic Tests: Urine drug tests, liver function tests, and potentially ECG to assess the patient's suitability for buprenorphine/naloxone therapy.
Procedure Description
Step-by-Step Explanation:
- The medication is administered orally, typically in the form of a sublingual film or tablet.
- The patient places the medication under their tongue until it dissolves completely.
- Ensure no food or drinks are consumed during the dissolution process (about 5-10 minutes).
- Tools/Equipment: Sublingual film or tablet.
- Anesthesia or Sedation: None required.
Duration
Typical Duration: The medication itself takes about 5-10 minutes to dissolve under the tongue.
Setting
Location: Outpatient setting, which could include a doctor's office, clinic, or at home following an initial supervised administration.
Personnel
Healthcare Professionals Involved: Primary care physician, addiction specialist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
Risks and Complications
Common Risks: Headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating. Rare Risks: Respiratory depression, allergic reactions, liver damage.
Benefits
Expected Benefits: Reduced opioid cravings, minimized withdrawal symptoms, and improved quality of life. Benefits might be felt within a few hours to a few days after initiating treatment.
Recovery
Post-Procedure Care: Follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust dosage as needed. Counseling and additional support services are often recommended. Recovery Time: No significant downtime; patients can typically resume daily activities immediately. Restrictions: Avoid alcohol and other substances that may interact negatively with buprenorphine/naloxone.
Alternatives
Other Treatment Options: Methadone maintenance, naltrexone, inpatient rehab programs, behavioral therapy alone. Pros/Cons:
- Methadone: Highly regulated, can be effective but requires daily clinic visits.
- Naltrexone: Non-addictive, but requires detoxification beforehand.
- Behavioral Therapy Alone: Can be less effective without medication assistance for some individuals.
Patient Experience
During Procedure: Mild discomfort is possible when holding the film/tablet under the tongue. After Procedure: Patients may experience mild side effects such as dry mouth, headache, or nausea. Pain management is generally not required, but comfort measures like hydration and rest are beneficial.
This markdown text provides a comprehensive guide to the buprenorphine/naloxone oral administration procedure for educating patients and healthcare professionals.