Preferences for other medications or treatments for opioid use disorder. Some patients dislike the idea of a daily medication being used as a “crutch” or replacement for their other opioid use, instead preferring an abstinence-based approach or treatment that does not involve medications. Other patients prefer to take methadone, which cannot be taken at the same time as buprenorphine.

Buprenorphine is a prescribed medication that must be filled at a retail pharmacy. Individuals who lack insurance, financial means, transportation, or time off from work can have difficulty filling buprenorphine at a local pharmacy. Additionally, because buprenorphine is a controlled substance, existing prescriptions cannot be transferred to another pharmacy location if the medication is out of stock or if an alternate location is more convenient for an individual.