Buprenorphine for Chronic Pain: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness

Details

Files
Project Status:
Completed
Project Line:
Health Technology Review
Project Sub Line:
Summary with Critical Appraisal
Project Number:
RC0837-000

Question


  1. What is the clinical effectiveness and safety of buprenorphine for the treatment of adults with chronic pain?

  2. What is the comparative clinical effectiveness of buprenorphine doses greater than 24 mg per day compared with daily doses of 24 mg or less?

  3. What is the clinical effectiveness of buprenorphine when tapering opioid doses for adults with chronic pain?


Key Message

Buprenorphine results in modest reductions in pain in adults with chronic non-cancer pain, relative to placebo. There is no evidence that other opioids are superior to buprenorphine for treating chronic non-cancer pain.No relevant evidence was identified regarding the use of buprenorphine at doses greater than 24 mg per day, or when tapering opioid doses for adults with chronic pain.