The American Medical Association (AMA) has expressed support for recent findings from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding buprenorphine dosing. According to the AMA, the study indicates that higher doses of buprenorphine may enhance treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).

"The American Medical Association (AMA) welcomes new study findings from the National Institutes of Health that higher doses of buprenorphine may improve treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD)," stated the AMA.

The findings align with existing AMA policy advocating for flexibility in buprenorphine dosing. This policy supports allowing patients to receive doses above FDA-approved limits when deemed clinically appropriate by their prescriber.

"Policymakers must take note of these findings and the growing body of evidence that further affirm buprenorphine as a safe, effective, and lifesaving tool in the fight against the illicit fentanyl overdose epidemic," emphasized the AMA.

The association also highlighted the importance of revising current policies imposed by health insurance companies, Medicaid, and Medicare. These policies often include dosage caps for buprenorphine, which the AMA argues should be removed.

"It is also critically important for health insurance companies, Medicaid, and Medicare to remove dosage caps for buprenorphine," said the AMA. "The AMA strongly urges outdated policies be revised to ensure patients with OUD can access lifesaving, evidence-based care."