The share of U.S. overdose deaths involving buprenorphine did not increase after federal agencies allowed clinicians to prescribe the opioid use disorder treatment remotely, among other flexibilities during the COVID-19 public health emergency, according to a federal study reported today in JAMA Network Open. 

“Research has shown beyond a doubt that medications for opioid use disorder are overwhelmingly beneficial and can be lifesaving, yet they continue to be vastly underused,” said senior author Nora Volkow, M.D., director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Expanding more equitable access to these medications for people with substance use disorders is a critical part of our nation’s response to the overdose crisis.”

Related News Articles

Headline
Pregnant people with opioid use disorder are more likely to receive buprenorphine (a recommended treatment) if they are older, white and have public insurance…
Headline
New results from an ongoing clinical trial provide strong evidence that emergency departments can safely start buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder…
Headline
Medicare patients who have access to telehealth services and medications for opioid use disorder have lower risk of fatal drug overdose, according to a study…
Headline
The Food and Drug Administration yesterday issued a report offering recommendations to address the opioid crisis and the role of analgesic oversight in…
Headline
Nonprofit hospitals and emergency departments, including free standing EDs and Rural Emergency Hospitals, can apply through March 6 for up to $500,000 per year…
Headline
The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division this week released guidance on how the Americans with Disabilities Act can protect individuals with opioid…