A recent study examined trends in the dispensing of extended-release and non–extended-release buprenorphine in Massachusetts from 2018 to 2023.

The research revealed a significant increase in patients receiving extended-release buprenorphine, rising from 135 in 2018 to 4,742 in 2023. In contrast, the number of patients receiving non–extended-release buprenorphine decreased from 54,956 to 51,768 during the same period.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the study utilized data from the Massachusetts Prescription Monitoring Program, analyzing all buprenorphine prescriptions by product name and type, including tablet, sublingual film, patch, or injectable formulations. A total of 114,669 patients were included in the analysis; the mean age was 43.3 years, and 62.5% were male.

Although the overall number of patients receiving any form of buprenorphine slightly decreased from 55,632 in 2018 to 54,897 in 2023, the uptake of extended-release formulations increased significantly. Among those receiving extended-release buprenorphine, 71.4% to 88.9% had received a prior non–extended-release formulation in the same year, likely during the transmucosal buprenorphine ramp-up period recommended before initiating extended-release treatment.

The number of unique prescribers for non–extended-release buprenorphine increased from 3,883 in 2018 to 6,512 in 2023, despite the decline in patient counts. In 2023, twice as many men as women received extended-release buprenorphine (3,195 vs 1,537). The gender ratio for non–extended-release formulations was 1.67:1 (32,495 men vs 19,421 women).

“The rise in extended-release buprenorphine patients signals increasing access and a willingness to adopt this treatment option among increasing numbers of people with opioid use disorder (OUD).” said Thomas J. Stopka, PhD, MHS, of the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine.

Further investigation into the plateauing and reductions in non–extended-release buprenorphine uptake, particularly among younger individuals, is warranted, according to the study. Although the increase in extended-release buprenorphine suggests improved access and acceptability, only 25% of individuals with opioid use disorder in the U.S. receive medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The authors noted that efforts to expand the use of buprenorphine and other MOUD options remain critical components of broader strategies to address OUD.

The authors reported no conflicts of interest.