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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2019 May 17.
Published in final edited form as: Anesth Analg. 2018 Aug;127(2):539–547. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000003477

Table 4.

Summary of Protocols of Perioperative Pain Management of Patients on Buprenorphine–Naloxone43,57,67

Minimal to No Pain Moderate to Severe Pain
University of Michigan Health System Continue bup-nx and contact provider Cancel surgery
Consider adding NSAIDS or acetaminophen Coordinate with bup-nx provider to stop bup-nx ≥5 d, transition to shortacting opioids before surgery
If off bup-nx ≥5 d, treat with regular opioids If off bup-nx ≥5 d, use opioid analgesics for pain
Consider adjuncts—acetaminophen, NSAIDs, gabapentin/pregabalin, alpha-2 agonist, low-dose ketamine infusion
Consider regional anesthesia
Return to bup-nx provider for reinduction
Boston Medical Center Continue bup-nx and contact provider and consider Hold bup-nx on the day of the surgery
Adding NSAIDs and acetaminophen Give single-dose ER/LA before the surgery and continue ER/LA opioid to address baseline pain control
Dividing bup-nx dose q6–8 h Use PCA with no basal dose or IR/SA opioid analgesic for breakthrough pain
Increasing bup-nx dose Return to bup-nx provider within a week for consideration to reinduce bup-nx
Adding short-acting opioid analgesics
University of Kentucky Health care Continue bup-nx and contact provider Continue bup-nx and contact provider
Consider adjuncts—acetaminophen/NSAIDs, opioids up to 3 d if necessary Consider acute pain consult for potential PCA or regional modality
Consider dividing bup-nx dose every 6–8 h Admit in close observation unit to assess analgesia
If off bup-nx, consider adjunct therapy with acetaminophen/NSAIDS or opioids Continue opioid therapy for postoperative pain after discharge

Abbreviations: bup-nx, buprenorphine–naloxone; ER/LA, extended release/long acting; NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; PCA, patient-controlled analgesia.