Elevated liver enzyme levels in opioid-dependent patients with hepatitis treated with buprenorphine

Am J Addict. 2000 Summer;9(3):265-9. doi: 10.1080/10550490050148099.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess changes in liver enzyme levels among opioid-dependent patients treated with buprenorphine. Liver enzyme levels were evaluated among 120 individuals before treatment and following a minimum of 40 days of buprenorphine treatment (2, 4, or 8 mg/70 kg/day). Among patients with a history of hepatitis, AST and ALT levels significantly increased (p < .05) with buprenorphine treatment. The odds of observing an increase in AST were determined to be dependent upon buprenorphine dose (p < .05; odds ratio = 1.23 per 1 mg increase in dose). These results suggest that liver enzyme levels should be monitored carefully when patients with hepatitis are treated with buprenorphine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Buprenorphine / adverse effects*
  • Buprenorphine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hepatitis / complications*
  • Humans
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / enzymology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Narcotic Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Opioid-Related Disorders
  • Transaminases / drug effects
  • Transaminases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Buprenorphine
  • Transaminases