Severe upper limb complications from parenteral abuse of Subutex.

INTRODUCTION

Subutex is a sublingual formulation of buprenorphine that is used to treat opioid dependency. It may be abused parenterally with disastrous consequences.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We present 4 cases of parenteral abuse of Subutex resulting in severe upper limb complications.

TREATMENT

Two vascular complications were treated with combinations of anticoagulants, vasodilators, brachial plexus bock and iloprostol. One severe hand abscess required surgical debridement, and 1 median nerve injury required neurolysis.

OUTCOME

All patients had a poor outcome. Both patients with vascular complications required multiple amputations, the patient with a thenar abscess had severely impaired thumb function, and the patient with median nerve injury has ongoing neuralgic pain, numbness and thenar weakness.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of complications of parenteral abuse of Subutex is increasing in Singapore. These complications have a poor outcome despite adequate management, and are best prevented by education or legal means.