Buprenorphine (Into the mouth)
bue-pre-NOR-feen
Treats addiction to narcotic pain relievers. Also relieves severe pain.
Drug classes
Analgesic, Opioid Dependency (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Buprenorphine buccal film is used to relieve severe pain that is constant. This medicine is not used for minor pain or pain that only sometimes occurs. It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.
Buprenorphine sublingual tablet is used to treat opioid (narcotic) dependence or addiction. When a narcotic medicine is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if the narcotic is stopped suddenly. Severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented when a person is switched to buprenorphine. It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to help prevent withdrawal side effects.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Thin Sheet, Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Buccal film:
Do not place a film on an area of the mouth that has sores or lesions. Use your tongue to wet the side of your cheek, or rinse your mouth with water. Place the yellow side of the film against the inside of your cheek. Press down on the film and hold it in place with clean, dry fingers for 5 seconds. Leave the film in place until it dissolves. Do not touch or move the film. Do not chew or swallow the film. Do not eat or drink anything until the film is completely dissolved, which is usually within 30 minutes. Do not use a film that is cut, torn, or damaged.This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how buprenorphine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Butorphanol, erythromycin, ketoconazole, nalbuphine, pentazocine Diuretic (water pill) HIV or AIDS medicine (including atazanavir, delavirdine, efavirenz, etravirine, , indinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir) Medicine to treat heart rhythm (including amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol) Phenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine) Tranquilizer or benzodiazepine (including alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam)Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to buprenorphine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, an adrenal gland problem, an enlarged prostate, gallbladder problems, lung or breathing problems, mouth sores or ulcers, trouble urinating, an underactive thyroid, or mental health problems. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, a slow heartbeat, or a history of heart rhythm problems (long QT syndrome). Tell your doctor if you have ever had a head injury, brain tumor, seizures, or stroke.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
High risk of overdose, which can lead to death Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening) QT prolongation (heart rhythm problem) Liver problemsThis medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, sweating, seizures, cold or clammy skin
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Seizures
Trouble breathing or slow breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Anxiety, depression, or nervousness
Headache, pain, weakness or tired feeling, or trouble sleeping
Increased sweating
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Belbuca, Subutex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.