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Understanding and co-managing medication treatment options for opioid use disorder
Abigail Kay1, Rachel Shmuts2, Melanie Beck3
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior-Division of Substance Abuse, The Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is common in primary care, yet training is lacking. This review covers three FDA-approved medications for OUD, aiding internists in patient care and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Addiction Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioid use disorder (OUD) affects a significant portion of patients in primary care settings.
- There is a notable deficiency in medical education regarding the management of OUD.
- Internal medicine physicians require foundational knowledge of OUD physiology and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To equip internists with essential knowledge for managing OUD.
- To enhance understanding of available treatment options for OUD.
- To improve patient outcomes and recovery rates for individuals with OUD.
Main Methods:
- Clinical review of FDA-approved medications for OUD.
- Comparison and contrast of medication-assisted treatments (MAT).
- Presentation of the three primary MATs: methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine.
Main Results:
- Identified three FDA-approved medications for OUD treatment.
- Provided a comparative analysis of these medications.
- Reviewed the clinical application of methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine.
Conclusions:
- Increased internist knowledge of OUD treatments can improve patient trust and outcomes.
- Effective management of OUD by internists can facilitate referrals and prevent medical complications.
- Understanding MAT is crucial for comprehensive OUD care.
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