A report from Recovery Pathways in Michigan reveals no negative side effects to using buprenorphine and naloxone in pregnant patients with opiod dependence. The study is extremely small in nature reviewing just 10 case files, but the results underline a need for further study into the medication combination.
Ten charts of patients with opiod dependence during pregnancy were reviewed. All patients were treated with buprenorphine and naloxone between 2010 and 2011 for opiod dependence. Researchers noted maternal outcomes including fetal presentation, maternal weight gain, rate of C-section delivery, urine drug test results at delivery and length of hospital stay. Fetal outcome measurements included Apgar score, fetal weight, fetal length and fetal head circumference.
When results were compared to patients treated with buprenorphine-mono, the standard treatment for opiod dependence, results were comparable. No alternative side effects or increased risk presented in maternal or fetal outcome.
Source: Debelak K, Morrone WR, O'Grady KE, Jones HE. Buprenorphine?+?Naloxone in the Treatment of Opioid Dependence during Pregnancy-Initial Patient Care and Outcome Data. Am J Addict. 2013 May;22(3):252-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2012.12005.x.