Extended-Release vs Sublingual Buprenorphine in Pregnancy Through 12 Months Post Partum: A Randomized Clinical - Summary - MDSpire

Extended-Release vs Sublingual Buprenorphine in Pregnancy Through 12 Months Post Partum: A Randomized Clinical

  • By

  • T. John Winhusen

  • Michelle R. Lofwall

  • Frankie Kropp

  • Daniel Lewis

  • Marcela C. Smid

  • Jessica L. Young

  • Candace Hodgkins

  • Elizabeth E. Krans

  • Zachary Hansen

  • Elisha M. Wachman

  • Davida M. Schiff

  • Constance Guille

  • Vania Rudolf

  • Tara Chowdhury

  • Lawrence Leeman

  • Mitra Lewis

  • Abigail G. Matthews

  • Gerald Cochran

  • Jacquie King

  • Christine Wilder

  • Carmen Rosa

  • May 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of extended-release buprenorphine compared to sublingual buprenorphine in pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder, addressing the unique challenges faced during pregnancy.

Key Findings:
  • Extended-release buprenorphine showed potential advantages in adherence and reduced cravings compared to sublingual buprenorphine, with participants closely monitored through weekly urine drug screens.
  • The trial included diverse clinical settings and allowed for variations in treatment protocols.
  • Participants were closely monitored with weekly urine drug screens to assess opioid use.
Interpretation:

The study suggests that extended-release buprenorphine may be a viable alternative to sublingual buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder in pregnant individuals, potentially improving treatment adherence and outcomes, which is critical for maternal and infant health.

Limitations:
  • The study was open-label, which may introduce bias.
  • Supply disruptions affected participant enrollment and medication continuity.
  • Results may not be generalizable to all clinical settings or populations, particularly those with different treatment protocols.
Conclusion:

Extended-release buprenorphine may offer benefits over sublingual buprenorphine for pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder, warranting further research to confirm findings, particularly in diverse clinical settings.

Original Source(s)

Extended-Release vs Sublingual Buprenorphine in Pregnancy Through 12 Months Post Partum: A Randomized Clinical

  • by T. John Winhusen, Michelle R. Lofwall, Frankie Kropp, Daniel Lewis, Marcela C. Smid, Jessica L. Young, Candace Hodgkins, Elizabeth E. Krans, Zachary Hansen, Elisha M. Wachman, Davida M. Schiff, Constance Guille, Vania Rudolf, Tara Chowdhury, Lawrence Leeman, Mitra Lewis, Abigail G. Matthews, Gerald Cochran, Jacquie King, Christine Wilder, Carmen Rosa

  • May 1, 2026

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