Extended-Release Buprenorphine Viable, Safe During Pregnancy

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Source: MedPage Today

Original: https://www.medpagetoday.com/obgyn/pregnancy/120316...

Published: Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:39:35 -0400

Sustained-release buprenorphine is a safe and effective treatment for pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder[1]. The study included 15 pregnant and postpartum patients who were treated with this drug[1]. The main reasons for starting treatment with sustained-release buprenorphine were nausea, the difficulty of multiple daily dosing of sublingual buprenorphine, and persistent opioid cravings[1]. After initiation of treatment, all patients demonstrated increased adherence to treatment, complete cessation of non-prescribed opioid use, and reduction in other substance use[1]. The study did not report any adverse effects on the mother or the newborn[1]. Buprenorphine during pregnancy and in the postpartum period reduces maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality[1].