Concluding statement – neuropharmacological basis and clinical rationale for control of transdermal buprenorphine as a step II analgesic

Abstract

In this commentary on the medical use and regulation of transdermal buprenorphine we bring together our complimentary perspectives on the neuropharmacology of analgesics (Dr. Henningfield) and clinical medicine to address the needs of people with pain (Dr. Sun). Together, the neuropharmacology of buprenorphine, the clinical and abuse deterring benefits of the 7-day transdermal formulation, the low rates of harmful use and abuse detected in post-marketing surveillance studies, and the desirable clinical benefits in the elderly, in persons with compromised kidney function, and other populations support the regulation of buprenorphine comparable to tramadol-like analgesics. We support this approach and believe that it strikes the right balance of control to provide appropriate access to people with pain and their health providers, while still providing the basis for deterring harmful use and abuse.