Premium
Effects of HCV Seropositive Status on Buprenorphine Pharmacokinetics in Opioid‐Dependent Individuals
Author(s) -
Masson Carmen L.,
Rainey Petrie M.,
Moody David E.,
McCanceKatz Elinore F.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2013.12052.x
Subject(s) - buprenorphine , medicine , (+) naloxone , pharmacokinetics , opioid , hepatitis c , hepatitis c virus , pharmacology , immunology , virus , receptor
Background and Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on buprenorphine pharmacokinetics in opioid‐dependent, buprenorphine/naloxone‐maintained adults. Methods A retrospective analysis of buprenorphine pharmacokinetics in HCV seropositive and seronegative buprenorphine/naloxone‐maintained individuals ( N = 49) was undertaken. Results Relative to HCV seronegative subjects, HCV seropositive subjects had higher buprenorphine exposure, as demonstrated by elevated buprenorphine AUC and C max values ( p = .03 and .02, respectively) and corresponding elevations in the metabolites, buprenorphine‐3‐glucuronide AUC values ( p = .03) and norbuprenorphine‐3‐glucuronide AUC and C 24 values ( p = .05 and .03, respectively). Discussion and Conclusions HCV infection was associated with higher plasma concentrations of buprenorphine and buprenorphine metabolites. Scientific Significance and Future Directions Findings suggest the potential for opioid toxicity among HCV‐infected patients treated with buprenorphine/naloxone, and possible hepatotoxic effects related to increased buprenorphine exposure. HCV‐infected patients receiving buprenorphine may need lower doses to maintain therapeutic plasma concentrations. (Am J Addict 2014;23:34–40)