Table 2 Main outcomes of the follow-up visits
From: Patients' perspectives on buprenorphine subcutaneous implant: a case series
Follow-up visit | Physical and psychological examination | COWS score and intervention |
|---|---|---|
24 h after the implant | • The patient reported a subjective feeling of overdose and headache • The physical examination revealed hypertension with a BP reading of 160/100 mmHg | • COWS score = 0 • The patient reported no craving |
Day 5 after the implant | • The wound at the implant site was found to be in good condition, with slight bruising on the repositioned fourth rod site • Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid 875 mg/125 mg were prescribed at a dosage of one tablet twice a day | • COWS score = 5 • The patient experienced mild withdrawal symptoms with no significant cravings • Treatment with 1 mg SL buprenorphine for 3 days was effective in alleviating the withdrawal symptoms |
Day 11 after the implant | • The patient showed good toxicological compensation and was overall satisfied with the choice • The patient was still hypertensive with a BP of 145/90 mmHg | • COWS score = 0 • The patient reported no craving |
Day 16 after the implant | • A good toxicological compensation was confirmed, and the patient expressed overall satisfaction with the subcutaneous implant • The urine test was negative | • COWS score = 0 • The patient reported no craving |
1.5 to 7 months after the implant | • The patient presented with on-axis mood, no free anxiety, a hypnic pattern within limits, and restorative sleep • The urine test was negative | • COWS score = 0 • The patient reported no craving |