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LAI Buprenorphine Benefits — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

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ModerateSubstance MisuseLAI Buprenorphine BenefitsMRCPsych Paper B

A 32-year-old with opioid dependence is stable on daily supervised sublingual buprenorphine. They are starting full-time employment, making daily pharmacy attendance difficult, and the clinical team is concerned about diversion if take-home doses are supplied. Which feature most specifically supports switching to long-acting injectable buprenorphine (Buvidal)?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Avoids daily supervised consumption and reduces opportunities for diversion

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · E = shown as B · A = shown as C · C = shown as D · D = shown as E

B is correct. Buvidal is administered subcutaneously by a healthcare professional at weekly or monthly intervals. This removes the need for daily supervised pharmacy consumption and limits access to patient-held medication, thereby reducing opportunities for diversion. These advantages directly address the employment and diversion issues in the stem. A is incorrect because administration is restricted to healthcare professionals. C is incorrect because its acquisition cost is higher than generic methadone, although reduced dispensing and supervision costs may partly offset this. D is unsupported; adverse effects remain possible, including injection-site reactions. E is not an established advantage, and initiation must be timed carefully to avoid precipitated withdrawal.

Reference: Camurus AB. Buvidal 32 mg prolonged-release solution for injection: Summary of Product Characteristics, sections 4.2 and 4.4. Revised 5 June 2026. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/11416/smpc