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Opioid-Induced Adrenal Insufficiency in a Patient Treated With Buprenorphine-Naloxone: A Case Report

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: With the rising clinical use of opioid agonist/antagonist medications for opioid use disorder (OUD), overlooked adverse events, such as adrenal insufficiency, are coming to the forefront. Opioid-induced adrenal insufficiency (OIAI) occurs when opioids dampen the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to adrenal suppression. Opioid-induced adrenal insufficiency is associated with significant morbidity and can precipitate high-mortality adrenal crises. We present a case of a 33-year-old male patient, initially presenting with concern for gastrointestinal bleeding, in which Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) was the likely culprit of a newly uncovered adrenal insufficiency.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.72187

Authors: Mohamed M Ahmed, Matthew League, Ramsey Amoudi, Clayton M Smith

Institutions: University of Louisville Hospital, University of Louisville

Language: English

Topic: Adrenal Hormones and Disorders

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4403688035