uses
What is transdermal buprenorphine used for?Transdermal buprenorphine is commonly used for the management of severe, ongoing pain when other types of treatments do not work.Transdermal buprenorphine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does transdermal buprenorphine work (mechanism of action)?Transdermal buprenorphine works by partially turning on opioid receptors. This produces an effect similar to other opioid medicines, like morphine. This is how transdermal buprenorphine reduces the feeling of pain in the body. How is transdermal buprenorphine supplied (dosage forms)? Brands and other namesButransDosage forms and strengths5 mcg/hour transdermal system (patch)7.5 mcg/hour transdermal system (patch)10 mcg/hour transdermal system (patch)15 mcg/hour transdermal system (patch)20 mcg/hour transdermal system (patch)
See also : Buprenorphine (Belbuca, Subutex, and others)How should I store transdermal buprenorphine?Transdermal buprenorphine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C.
It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.how to use
patch that is applied to the skin
drug interactions
Does transdermal buprenorphine interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between transdermal buprenorphine and foods or nonalcoholic drinks.Do not use transdermal buprenorphine with alcohol or with over-the-counter medicines that contain alcohol. Using transdermal buprenorphine with alcohol may cause breathing problems that may be life-threatening.Does transdermal buprenorphine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?A benzodiazepine, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium and others), or lorazepam (Ativan and others), which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizuresAn opioid, such as butorphanol, codeine, fentanyl, oxycodone, or morphine, which is a medicine used for certain types of painA monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s diseaseAny other medicines that contain buprenorphine (Belbuca, Sublocade, and others), which is a medicine used to treat certain types of pain or opioid use disorderA muscle relaxant, such as carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, or tizanidine (Zanaflex)A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressureAn anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problemsErythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infectionsKetoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infectionsCarbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others) or phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which are commonly used to treat seizures Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosisA selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which are commonly used for anxiety and depressionA tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depressionA triptan, such as eletriptan (Relpax), sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), and others, which is a medicine commonly used to treat migrainesDigoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failureAny other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxietyMany other medicines may alter the blood levels of transdermal buprenorphine. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with transdermal buprenorphine. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of transdermal buprenorphine?The most common side effects of transdermal buprenorphine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Nausea or vomitingHeadacheSkin reactions (see below)Sleepiness or dizzinessConstipationDry mouthThere may be other side effects of transdermal buprenorphine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of transdermal buprenorphine?While less common, the most serious side effects of transdermal buprenorphine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Transdermal buprenorphine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using transdermal buprenorphine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painRisk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing transdermal buprenorphine can lead to serious side effects, like coma or death. Misuse means using a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Use transdermal buprenorphine exactly as prescribed. Tell your health care provider if you feel that transdermal buprenorphine is not working. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.Sudden confusion or feeling disorientedFeeling paranoidSuicidal thoughts or actionsSeizuresTrouble breathingCentral Nervous System (CNS) Depression. Transdermal buprenorphine may slow down your central nervous system (CNS), which controls many vital functions throughout the body. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of CNS depression.ConfusionExcessive sleepiness or trouble staying awakeMemory problemsSlow or shallow breathingSlowed response or reaction timeSlurred speechSkin Reactions. Transdermal buprenorphine may commonly cause some mild discomfort, redness, itching, or a rash where it is applied. Rarely, severe skin reactions may occur, such as blistering, oozing, or a burning sensation. This can happen any time after you start transdermal buprenorphine. Stop using transdermal buprenorphine and contact your health care provider right away if you have any reaction that concerns you, does not get better, or gets worse over time.Increased Pain and Pain Sensitivity. Transdermal buprenorphine may cause allodynia, which is when you have pain from something that normally does not cause pain, such as brushing your hair. Transdermal buprenorphine may also cause hyperalgesia, which is when you are very sensitive to pain. Contact your health care provider right away if you have pain from things that did not cause pain before or if you have worsening pain or are more sensitive to pain. It is very important to not use more transdermal buprenorphine if your pain feels worse, as this may cause breathing problems or other serious side effects. Breathing Problems. Transdermal buprenorphine may cause slow or shallow breathing, especially if you have breathing problems from another condition or take other medicines that can slow your breathing. Tell your health care provider right away if you develop severe sleepiness or trouble breathing, especially when you start transdermal buprenorphine or when your dose is increased. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.Changes in the color of your skin, including bluish color to your lips and fingernailsConfusionShortness of breathFeeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faintingChanges in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeatSlow or shallow breathingExcessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake Reduced Adrenal Function. Transdermal buprenorphine may cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.Nausea and vomitingWeakness, tiredness, or lack of energyLow blood pressureLow Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Transdermal buprenorphine may cause low blood pressure, including a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a seated or lying position (orthostatic hypotension). To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel faint or dizzy, sit or lie down until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingConfusionFeeling weak or tiredLiver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking transdermal buprenorphine, especially if you have or are at risk for liver disease. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood work before and during treatment. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.Nausea or vomitingStomach or belly painFeverWeakness or unusual tirednessItchingLoss of appetiteLight-colored poopDark-colored urine (pee)Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much transdermal buprenorphine?If you or someone else has used too much transdermal buprenorphine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. It is also important to have naloxone on hand in case of an opioid overdose. Be sure that you and your family, caregivers, and friends know how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to use naloxone. See the Warnings & Precautions section for more details.What should I do if I miss a dose of transdermal buprenorphine?If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only apply the next dose. Do not apply double or extra doses. If your transdermal buprenorphine patch falls off, ask your health care provider for advice.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use transdermal buprenorphine?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use transdermal buprenorphine.ButransBuprenorphineAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific transdermal buprenorphine products they stock.Lung Problems. Transdermal buprenorphine should not be used if you have severe asthma, trouble breathing, or other lung problems. Transdermal buprenorphine can make these conditions worse.Gut Blockage. Transdermal buprenorphine should not be used if you have a blockage of your gut (bowel obstruction) or a narrowing of the stomach or intestines. Transdermal buprenorphine can make these conditions worse.What should I know about transdermal buprenorphine before using it?Do not use transdermal buprenorphine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Do not share transdermal buprenorphine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep transdermal buprenorphine out of the reach of children. Transdermal buprenorphine is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store transdermal buprenorphine in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.Transdermal buprenorphine comes as a patch that is applied to specific areas of your body. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and where to apply transdermal buprenorphine. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider. Do not apply a transdermal buprenorphine patch that is cut or damaged in any way.You should change the site where you apply transdermal buprenorphine every week. You should wait at least three weeks (21 days) before reusing the same site. It is important to not expose transdermal buprenorphine to heat. This can include heating pads, electric blankets, tanning lamps, saunas, and hot tubs. Also do not expose the patch to hot water or direct sunlight for a long period of time. Heat can increase the amount of buprenorphine your body absorbs. This may put you at risk of serious breathing problems or overdose. Also tell your health care provider if you have a fever, since this could increase the risk of serious side effects.Transdermal buprenorphine can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine. If you stop transdermal buprenorphine suddenly, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may require you to go to the hospital. Physical dependence is not necessarily a sign that you have developed a substance use disorder. Do not stop using transdermal buprenorphine without talking with your health care provider. Your health care provider can tell you how to stop transdermal buprenorphine to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.SweatingShaking more than normal Feeling more hot or cold than normalRunny noseWatery eyesGoosebumpsVomiting or diarrheaMuscle achesTransdermal buprenorphine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how transdermal buprenorphine affects you.People taking transdermal buprenorphine should have naloxone available in case of an emergency. Transdermal buprenorphine is a type of opioid and may cause a bad reaction where your breathing slows or potentially stops. Naloxone is a medicine used to reverse the effects of opioids. Your health care provider can tell you how to use and where to get naloxone. You should teach your family, friends, and caregivers when and how to use naloxone in case of an overdose. If naloxone is used, be sure to call 911. Throw away any expired, unwanted, or unused transdermal buprenorphine right away by following the instructions that come with your product. Avoid touching the sticky part of the patch. Ask your health care provider how to throw away the patches safely.People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from transdermal buprenorphine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.Using transdermal buprenorphine for a long time may make it harder for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. Contact your health care provider if this is a concern for you. What should I tell my health care provider before using transdermal buprenorphine?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if transdermal buprenorphine is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.Head injury or seizuresProblems peeingHeart rhythm problems, including a slow heart rate or long QT syndromeHeart failureLiver, kidney, or thyroid problemsPancreas or gallbladder problemsTrouble breathing or lung problems, such as asthma, COPD, or sleep apneaDrink large amounts of alcohol or have alcohol use disorderMental health problemsOpioid use disorder Low potassium or magnesium levelsBrain tumorOther Medicines and Supplements. Transdermal buprenorphine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using transdermal buprenorphine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. Transdermal buprenorphine may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you use transdermal buprenorphine during pregnancy, your baby may have withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening if not treated. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant or if you used transdermal buprenorphine while pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use transdermal buprenorphine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Breastfeeding. Transdermal buprenorphine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use transdermal buprenorphine while breastfeeding.
about
Transdermal buprenorphine is used to help manage severe, ongoing pain when other types of treatments do not work. It works by partially activating the same receptors in your body that opioids do. Common side effects include nausea or vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, constipation, and irritation where the patch is applied. Serious side effects are less common but include trouble breathing and a risk of addiction. Transdermal buprenorphine comes in a patch that is applied to certain areas of your body, such as the upper chest or upper back.