Opioid OD survivors have better outcomes if started on methadone instead of buprenorphine: Study

In the study “Methadone vs Buprenorphine‐Naloxone in Opioid Overdose Survivors,” Robert A. Kleinman, MD, and colleagues show that methadone is far more effective than buprenorphine in reducing deaths within the first year. The study was conducted in Canada, where methadone is easier to access than in the United States, so the researchers urge further study. In addition, in patients who adhered to the treatment plan and took their medication, there was no difference in the risk of death between the methadone and buprenorphine groups.