Evaluation and Management of Buprenorphine Extended-Release Injection Thrombophlebitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction Buprenorphine extended-release subcutaneous injection (BUP-XR) is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It is a long-acting formulation of buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. Buprenorphine extended-release subcutaneous injection is injected into the subcutaneous space forming a depot that can last up to a month. The most common adverse effects of BUP-XR are injection site pain, erythema, and induration. Case Report A man in his late 30s presented to the emergency department 48 hours after BUP-XR injection with abdominal pain. He was found to have superficial venous thrombosis of an abdominal wall vessel extending near the deep venous system. He was subsequently started on apixaban for 30 days and cefadroxil for 7 days to reduce the risk of extension and infection. He fully recovered and has since restarted BUP-XR without further complications. Conclusions Venous thrombosis is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of BUP-XR. It is important for emergency and outpatient clinicians to be aware of adverse reactions associated with this medication. The patient was successfully treated with a 30-day course of apixaban and able to resume taking BUP-XR without further complications. Clinicians may want to consider supplementing BUP-XR with sublingual film after injection-related complications due to possible lower serum levels.