Buprenorphine to Improve HIV Care Engagement and Outcomes

Buprenorphine to Improve HIV Care Engagement and Outcomes: A Randomized Trial (BRAVO)

The purpose of this study is to compare two models of substance abuse treatment in Vietnam, and how they each affect HIV care. In Vietnam, the current model for treating people with HIV who are also dependent on opioids is to refer them to methadone maintenance treatment centers. The new model the protocol will study is treatment of HIV and opioid dependence with buprenorphine/naloxone and counseling in the HIV clinic.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HIV positive
• Current moderate or severe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V) opioid use disorder
• Urine drug screen positive for opioids
• Interested in receiving treatment for opioid dependence
• Age at least 18 years old
• Willing to practice an effective method of birth control, if female

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known hypersensitivity to buprenorphine or naloxone
• aspartate aminotransferase (AST) & alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 5x upper limit
• Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Serious medical or psychiatric illness in past 30 days (e.g. opportunistic infection, psychosis) that precludes safe participation in the opinion of study physician
• Methadone maintenance treatment within 30 days of consent