METHADONE INITIATION IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER: A CASE SERIES

Background: In an era of fentanyl and continually rising rates of opioid overdose deaths, increasing access to evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) should be prioritized. Emergency department (ED) buprenorphine initiation for patients with OUD is considered best-practice. Methadone, though also evidence-based and effective, is under-utilized due to strict federal regulation, significant stigma, and lack of physician training. We describe the novel utilization of CFR Title 21 1306.07 (b), also known as the “72-hour rule,” to initiate methadone for OUD in the ED. Case Series: We describe the cases of 3 patients with a history of OUD who were initiated on methadone for OUD in the ED, linked to an opioid treatment program, and attended an intake appointment. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? The ED can be a crucial point of intervention for vulnerable patients with OUD who may not interact with the health care system in other settings. Methadone and buprenorphine are both first-line options for medication for OUD, and methadone may be preferred in patients who have been unsuccessful with buprenorphine in the past or those at higher risk of treatment dropout. Patients may also prefer methadone to buprenorphine based on previous experience or understanding of the medications. ED physicians may utilize the “72-hour rule” to administer and initiate methadone for up to 3 consecutive days while arranging referral to treatment. EDs can develop methadone initiation and bridge programs utilizing similar strategies to those that have been described in developing buprenorphine programs.