Introduction
Deaths from opioid-related overdose have remained at epidemic levels for more than a decade without a clear solution in reach. Buprenorphine is a US Food and Drug Administration–approved medication for opioid use disorder (OUD) that can be prescribed in an outpatient setting, including telehealth, and dispensed at retail pharmacies. Despite this, there are some reports that patients may encounter barriers in filling this medication at their local pharmacy.
In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from a telehealth OUD treatment provider group currently operating in 32 states to assess the extent of buprenorphine availability at local pharmacies. We also sought to identify states and specific pharmacy chains where patients with OUD might have difficulty filling buprenorphine prescriptions.
The full study can be viewed at JAMA Network Open.
Weiner, S. G., Qato, D. M., Faust, J. S., & Clear, B. (2023). Pharmacy Availability of Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in the US. JAMA Network Open, 6(5), e2316089-e2316089.
