Misuse and Diversion of Methadone and Buprenorphine Are Increasing, but Buprenorphine Appears to Have a Better Safety Profile

Buprenorphine is increasingly used for opioid agonist treatment and methadone for pain, raising concerns about diversion, misuse, and overdose. To assess the relative safety of both medica-tions investigators analyzed data from the Researched Abuse Diversion and Addiction-Related Surveillance (RADARS) system from 2003 to 2007. This system collects data from prescription-medication investigators and regulators, poison-control centers, and opioid-agonist treatment programs. Estimated rates of abuse, misuse, and diversion were calculated based on census data and pharmacy records. Rates of misuse and diversion of both medications increased from 2003 to 2007 but were consistently higher for methadone.

For the more information from Boston University, click here.