Buprenorphine to Improve HIV Care Engagement and Outcomes

Buprenorphine/naloxone induction begins with a 2-4mg test dose followed by additional doses on the day of induction to relieve withdrawal symptoms, and then titrated to a maintenance dose between 8-24 mg/day over 1 to 3 days. Doses will be directly observed and occur daily. After a minimum of 2 weeks, dosing may be changed to 3 or 4 times per week, as determined clinically appropriate by the HIV clinic study physician. Dosing will remain flexible to a maximum dose of 24mg for daily dosing and 32mg for every other day dosing, as deemed clinically appropriate by the study physician.

Subjects randomized to methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) referral will meet with an HIV clinic case manager who will facilitate referral to MMT. Methadone dosing will be managed by MMT staff, who dispense methadone according to Ministry of Health guidelines for MMT.