What formulations may pharmacists use to fill buprenorphine maintenance prescriptions?

Pharmacists can fill buprenorphine maintenance prescriptions using specific formulations that are approved for that purpose. The correct answer, which includes Subutex and Suboxone, is aligned with the medications that are commonly recognized for treating opioid dependence.

Subutex is a formulation that contains buprenorphine alone, making it useful for patients who may not need the combined medication. On the other hand, Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone, which is designed to reduce the potential for misuse. This combination approach is often preferred due to the safety net the naloxone provides against opioid misuse by blocking the euphoric effects of buprenorphine if it is taken inappropriately.

In many states, regulations specify that only certain formulations can be used for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence, and both Subutex and Suboxone have been granted the necessary approvals to be prescribed under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA).

Other choices do not meet the criteria for buprenorphine maintenance treatment. For instance, Buprenex is primarily used for pain management rather than opioid dependence. The option stating "Only Suboxone" is incorrect as it excludes Subutex, which is also an acceptable therapy. The option indicating "None"