Buprenorphine



Buprenex®; Subutex®







Buprenorphine

(byoo pre NOR feen)

U.S. Brand Names
Buprenex®; Subutex®
Canadian Brand Names
Buprenex®; Subutex®
Mexican Brand Names
Temgesic®
Pharmacologic Category
Analgesic, Narcotic
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Subutex® is only used to treat drug addiction.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give the tablets to a child younger than 16 years of age.
  • If you have an allergy to buprenorphine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve pain.
  • This medicine is used to treat drug addiction.
How does it work?
  • Buprenorphine binds to areas in the brain to decrease cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • It binds to brain receptors, relieving pain. It decreases the feeling of pain and a person's response to pain.
How is it best taken?
  • Injection:
  • This medicine is given as a shot.
  • Follow instructions closely if you or a family member are giving the shot at home.
  • Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
  • Oral:
  • Sublingual tablet: Place on tongue and let dissolve.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • All forms:
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • If you have gallbladder disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have mental illness, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have prostate disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have thyroid disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Oral:
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Keep a diary of pain control.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Excessive perspiration.
  • Fast heartbeat.
  • Poor pain control.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe constipation.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: