Higher buprenorphine doses linked to longer treatment retention, study finds
Mar 10th 2026
A Philadelphia Medicaid study of 5,000 people found those on higher daily buprenorphine doses stayed in opioid use disorder treatment much longer, but Black patients were less likely to receive those higher doses.
- Patients prescribed 17 to 24 mg of buprenorphine averaged 190 days in treatment versus 90 days for those on 8 mg or less.
- The study analyzed 5,000 adults on Medicaid in Philadelphia who were prescribed buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.
- Black patients were less likely than white patients to receive higher buprenorphine doses.
- Over half of the sample had a musculoskeletal diagnosis and these patients were more likely to receive higher doses.
- In December 2024 the FDA removed a 16 mg target dose from buprenorphine labeling and said doses over 24 mg may be appropriate for some patients, supporting more flexible dosing amid a potent illicit drug supply.