Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine Hydrochloride Oral dissolving film
What is this medicine?
BUPRENORPHINE (byoo pre NOR feen) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
blockage in your bowel
brain tumor
drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day
drug abuse or addiction
head injury
kidney disease
liver disease
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
mouth sores
thyroid disease
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
an unusual or allergic reaction to buprenorphine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wet the inside of your cheek with tongue or rinse mouth with water before using this medicine. Open package with dry hands just before you are ready to use. Do not cut or tear the film. Use the tip of a dry finger to put film in the mouth with the yellow side of the film facing the cheek. Hold the film in place for 5 seconds. After you place the medicine on your cheek leave the film in place until it dissolves away in about 30 minutes. Do not move or touch the film with fingers or tongue. Do not eat or drink until the film has dissolved. Do not chew or swallow the film. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
alcohol
antibiotics like clarithromycin, dalfopristin; quinupristin, erythromycin, and rifampin
antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
atropine
butorphanol
certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
certain medicines for stomach problems like cimetidine, dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine
diuretics
general anesthetics
mifepristone
muscle relaxants
nalbuphine
narcotic medicines for pain
nilotinib
pentazocine
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
ranolazine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have a new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take the medicine for a long time.
Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
There are different types of narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain. If you take more than one type at the same time, you may have more side effects. Give your health care provider a list of all medicines you use. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. Do not take more medicine than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing.
The medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
anxious
breathing problems
chills
confusion
dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellow of the eyes or skin
diarrhea
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
irritable
stomach pain
swelling of ankles, feet, hands
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
dry mouth
headache
nausea, vomiting
trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law. Follow the directions in the MedGuide.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. Remove any unused films from the foil packs and flush any down the toilet to reduce the chance of harm. Throw away the empty foil packaging in the trash. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Buprenorphine Hydrochloride Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
BUPRENORPHINE (byoo pre NOR feen) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
blockage in your bowel
brain tumor
drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day
drug abuse or addiction
head injury
kidney disease
liver disease
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
thyroid disease
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
an unusual or allergic reaction to buprenorphine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
alcohol
antibiotics like clarithromycin, dalfopristin; quinupristin, erythromycin, and rifampin
antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
certain medicines for stomach problems like cimetidine, dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine
diuretics
general anesthetics
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
mifepristone
narcotic medicines for pain
nilotinib
pentazocine
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
ranolazine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take this medicine for a long time.
Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
There are different types of narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain. If you take more than one type at the same time, you may have more side effects. Give your health care provider a list of all medicines you use. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. Do not take more medicine than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing.
This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
Your mouth may get dry. Drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on hard candy may help.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
anxiety, irritability, nervousness or restlessness
breathing problems
cold, clammy skin or sweating
confusion
diarrhea
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
stomach pain or vomiting
swelling of ankles
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
difficulty sleeping
headache
nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label. Discard unused medicine and used packaging carefully. Pets and children can be harmed if they find used or lost packages.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Buprenorphine Hydrochloride Sublingual tablet
What is this medicine?
BUPRENORPHINE (byoo pre NOR feen) is used to treat certain types of drug dependence.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
brain tumor
drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day
head injury
heart disease
kidney disease
liver disease
lung disease such as asthma or COPD
an unusual or allergic reaction to buprenorphine, naloxone, morphine, codeine, other medicines, lactose, mannitol, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
The medicine is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Several minutes will be needed to allow the tablet to fully dissolve. If your dose requires you to take more than 2 tablets at once, either place all the tablets at once under the tongue, or if you cannot fit more than 2 tablets comfortably, place 2 tablets at a time under the tongue. Either way, you should hold the tablets under the tongue until they completely dissolve. Do not swallow or chew the tablet. Do not inject the medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 16 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
butorphanol
nalbuphine
pentazocine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
antibiotics like erythromycin and clarithromycin
antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
barbiturates like phenobarbital
carbamazepine
general anesthetics
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole
medicines for sleep
medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS like ritonavir, saquinavir, and indinavir
muscle relaxants
narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
phenytoin
rifampin or rifampicin
tramadol
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take.
Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say that you are taking this medicine. Emergency personnel will need to know that you are taking this medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
You will likely have your blood checked before you start taking this medicine.
This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
anxiety, irritability, nervousness or restlessness
breathing difficulties, wheezing
cold, clammy skin or sweating
confusion
decrease or difficulty in passing urine
diarrhea
fainting spells
severe stomach pain or vomiting
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
headache
insomnia
nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (56 and 86 degrees F).
This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. Flush any unused medicine down the toilet to reduce the chance of harm. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Buprenorphine Implant
What is this medicine?
BUPRENORPHINE (byoo pre NOR feen) is used to treat certain types of drug dependence.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Addison's disease
adrenal gland problem
brain tumor
head injury
heart disease
history of alcoholism
history of keloid formation or connective tissue disease (such as scleroderma)
history of skin infections, conditions, or sensitivities
liver disease
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
mental illness
problems urinating
prostate disease
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to buprenorphine, morphine, codeine, other medicines, antiseptics, anesthetics, ethylene vinyl acetate, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
The implants will be inserted under the skin in your upper arm by a specially trained physician in a hospital or clinic setting. Follow your doctor's instructions for care of the area where the implants were inserted. Apply an ice pack to your arm for 40 minutes every 2 hours for the first 24 hours after insertion of the implants and as needed. Removal of the implants will also be done in a hospital or clinic setting by a specially trained physician. Do not try to remove the implants yourself. This could lead to infection or you could experience withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will decide how long the implants will stay in your arm.
Your healthcare provider will give you a Patient Identification Card to carry with you. Keep track of the date the implants are to be removed. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to remove the implants on or before the removal date.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by your healthcare provider each time this medicine is inserted into your arm. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 16 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
butorphanol
nalbuphine
pentazocine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
antibiotics like erythromycin and clarithromycin
antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole
certain medicines for migraine headaches
linezolid
methylene blue
narcotic medicines for pain
tramadol
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or health care professional regularly. For this medicine to be most effective you should attend any counseling or support groups that your doctor or health care professional recommends.
This medicine may cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
The implants may be difficult to locate if they are inserted too deeply, if you move them, or if you gain a lot of weight after they are inserted. Special tests or procedures may be needed in these instances to locate the implants for removal.
If an implant sticks out or comes out of your skin, wash your hands if you touch the implant. Cover the area where the implant was inserted with a clean bandage. Put the implant in a plastic bag and in a safe place out of reach of children and theft. Do not let others touch or use the implant. If a child puts an implant in his/her mouth, get emergency help right away. Return the implant to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Never give your medicine to others, because it may cause serious harm, including death. Selling or giving away your medicine is against the law.
If the implants come out of your arm or if you stop treatment, you can have symptoms of opiate withdrawal including: shaking, sweating more than normal, feeling hot or cold more than normal, runny nose, watery eyes, goose bumps, diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle aches. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms.
In an emergency, have a family member or friend tell the emergency room staff that you are physically dependent on an opiate and are being treated with an opiate implant.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
bleeding or symptoms of infection at the implant site, such as excess or worsening itching, pain, irritation, redness, or swelling
blurred vision
breathing problems, slowed breathing
chills
confusion
diarrhea
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fever
irritable, anxiety
numbness or weakness in your arm after the implant is inserted or removed
severe sleepiness
slurred speech
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
constipation
dry mouth
headache
nausea
trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This medicine is inserted in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch - weekly
What is this medicine?
BUPRENORPHINE (byoo pre NOR feen) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
blockage in your bowel
brain tumor
drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day
drug abuse or addiction
fever
head injury
kidney disease
liver disease
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
thyroid disease
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
an unusual or allergic reaction to buprenorphine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Apply the patch to your skin. Do not cut or damage the patch. A cut or damaged patch can be very dangerous because you may get too much medicine. Select a clean, dry area of skin on your upper outer arm, upper chest, upper back, or the side of the chest. Do not apply the patch to broken, burned, cut, or irritated skin. Use only water to clean the area. Do not use soap or alcohol to clean the skin because this can increase the effects of the medicine. If the area is hairy, clip the hair with scissors, but do not shave.
Take the patch out of its wrapper. Bend the patch along the faint line and slowly peel the outer portion of the liner, which covers the sticky surface of the patch. Press the patch onto the skin and slowly peel off the protective liner. Do not use a patch if the packaging or backing is damaged. Do not touch the sticky part with your fingers. Press the patch to the skin using the palm of your hand. Press the patch to the skin for 15 seconds. Wash your hands at once.
Keep patches far away from children. Do not let children see you apply the patch and do not apply it where children can see it. Do not call the patch a sticker, tattoo, or bandage, as this could encourage the child to mimic your actions. Used patches still contain medicine. Children or pets can have serious side effects or die from putting used patches in their mouth or on their bodies.
Take off the old patch before putting on a new patch. Apply each new patch to a different area of skin. If a patch comes off or causes irritation, remove it and apply a new patch to a different site. If the edges of the patch start to loosen, first apply first aid tape to the edges of the patch. If problems with the patch not sticking continue, cover the patch with a see-through adhesive dressing (like Bioclusive or Tegaderm). Never cover the patch with any other bandage or tape. To get rid of used patches, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Then, flush it down the toilet. Alternately, you may dispose of the patch in the Patch-Disposal Unit provided. Never throw the patch away in the trash without sealing it in the Patch-Disposal unit. Replace the patch every 7 days. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not use more medicine than you are told to use.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
If a patch accidentally touches the skin, use only water to clean the area. Do not use soap or alcohol to clean the skin because this can increase the effects of the medicine. If someone accidentally uses a buprenorphine patch and is not awake and alert, immediately call 911 for help. If the person is awake and alert, call a doctor, health care professional, or the Poison Control Center.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to replace your patch, take off the old patch and put on a new patch as soon as you can. Do not apply an extra patch to your skin. Do not wear more than one patch at the same time unless told to do so by your doctor or health care professional.
What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
alcohol
antibiotics like clarithromycin, dalfopristin; quinupristin, erythromycin, and rifampin
antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
atropine
butorphanol
certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
certain medicines for stomach problems like cimetidine, dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine
general anesthetics
mifepristone
muscle relaxants
nalbuphine
narcotic medicines for pain
nilotinib
pentazocine
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
ranolazine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Other pain medicine may be needed when you first start using the patch because the patch can take some time to start working. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take the medicine for a long time.
Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
There are different types of narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain. If you take more than one type at the same time, you may have more side effects. Give your health care provider a list of all medicines you use. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. Do not take more medicine than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing.
The medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Heat can increase the amount of medicine released from the patch. Do not get the patch hot by using heating pads, heated water beds, electric blankets, and heat lamps. You can bathe or swim while using the patch. But, do not use a sauna or hot tub. Tell you doctor or health care professional if you get a fever.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
anxiety, irritability, nervousness or restlessness
breathing problems
cold, clammy skin or sweating
confusion
diarrhea
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
stomach pain or vomiting
swelling of ankles
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
difficulty sleeping
dry mouth
headache
itching, redness, or rash at the patch site
nausea
vomiting
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Do not store the patches out of their wrappers.
This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. Flush any unused medicine down the toilet as instructed above to reduce the chance of harm. Alternately, you may dispose of the patch in the Patch-Disposal Unit provided. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert