Abstract
We report a 30-case series from the Pain Management Center at the Massachusetts General Hospital where we have applied a guideline to convert chronic treatment for pain from full agonist opioids (FAO) to buprenorphine (BUP). Of the patients, 24 (80 percent) elected to continue BUP over FAO. Five conversions were stopped for side effects (fatigue) and/or lack of sufficient pain reduction. One patient elected not to participate on the day that the conversion was to begin. There were no major adverse events. We conclude that conversion to BUP should be considered as an alternative to treat patients on chronic opioids for pain.
Publisher
Weston Medical Publishing