Buprenorphine
Generic name: Buprenorphine
injectable solution: Schedule III (Buprenex)
- 0.3mg/mL
tablet, sublingual: Schedule III (generic)
- 2mg
- 8mg
Buprenorphine hydrochloride is a drug that raises the likelihood of dependence and abuse or misuse which can lead to an overdose or even death. Consider the risk prior to starting therapy and watch for indicators of addiction, misuse, or abuse during therapy. A life-threatening, serious, or even fatal respiratory depression can occur, especially during treatment beginning and as doses increase. Be aware of symptoms of respiratory depression throughout treatment. The prolonged use of opioids during pregnancy can cause an opioid withdrawal in neonates which could be life-threatening if not detected and treated. If long-term use is necessary during pregnancy be sure to inform the patient about the potential risk to the fetus. The simultaneous use of benzodiazepines and opioids could cause profound depressurization, sedation as well as coma or death. Consider concomitant prescribing only for patients who do not have adequate alternatives to treatment. Limit duration and dosages to the maximum amount required and observe patients for symptoms and signs of respiratory depression or sedation¹.
Brands name
In the U.S.
- Buprenex
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Analgesic
Chemical Class: Opioid
Buprenorphine uses
Buprenorphine injections are utilized for the relief of moderate to extreme pain. It can also be used by patients who have been treated with oral buprenorphine, which is injected on the tongue or inside the cheeks for seven days. It is then followed by an adjustment of the dosage for at least seven days.
Buprenorphine is part of the category of drugs known as analgesics that are narcotic (pain medications). It affects the central nervous system (CNS) to alleviate discomfort.
When a narcotic medication is used over a long period of time, it can develop into a habit, leading to physical or mental dependence. But, those with chronic pain shouldn’t allow the fear of dependence to hinder them from taking the narcotics they need to alleviate their discomfort. Mental dependence (addiction) is unlikely to happen when narcotics have been employed for this purpose. Physical dependence could cause withdrawal side effects when treatment is abruptly stopped. However, serious withdrawal adverse effects are usually avoided by gradually decreasing the dosage over a long period of time until the treatment is completely stopped.
Before using buprenorphine
When deciding whether to take any medicine, the dangers of using the medication should be evaluated against the benefits it can bring. It is a choice you as well as your doctor make. When you are prescribed buprenorphine, these must be taken into consideration:
Allergies
Discuss with your physician If you’ve ever experienced an unusual reaction or allergy to buprenorphine or other medication. Inform your health care doctor if you are suffering from other allergies, for example, to dyes, foods or preservatives, or animals. For products that are not prescription-only, you must review the label or the ingredient list carefully.
Pediatric
No appropriate studies have been conducted on the relation of age and the effects on Sublocade(r) injection in the infant population. The safety and efficacy of Sublocade haven’t been confirmed.
Studies that are appropriate up to now have not found issues that are specific to children, which could restrict the use of buprenorphine infusion as well as Buprenex(r) in children aged between 2 and 12 years old. But, safety and effectiveness aren’t proven in infants less than 2 years old. age.
Geriatric
Studies that are appropriate so far have not revealed specific geriatric issues that could hinder the effectiveness of buprenorphine injections for the elderly. However, patients who are elderly may be more susceptible to the effects of buprenorphine than younger people and more likely to suffer from age-related liver, kidney, or heart issues, which could need to be treated with caution and adjustments to the dosage for those who receive buprenorphine injections.
Breastfeeding
There aren’t enough research studies on women to determine the risks to babies when using this medication while breastfeeding. Be sure to weigh the potential benefits against the risk of using this medication during nursing.
Interactions between medicines
While certain medications should not be taken together In other instances, two medicines can be taken together, even if interactions could occur. In these instances, your doctor might decide to adjust the dose or any other precautions could be required. If you’re taking buprenorphine it is crucial that you let your doctor be aware of if you’re using any one of these drugs mentioned below. The following interactions were determined based on their potential impact and are not all-inclusive.
Utilizing buprenorphine in conjunction together with any of the following drugs is not recommended. Your doctor could decide to not treat you with this drug or modify one of the other medications you are taking.
- Bepridil
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Fluconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Mesoridazine
- Nalmefene
- Naltrexone
- Pimozide
- Piperaquine
- Posaconazole
- Safinamide
- Samidorphan
- Saquinavir
- Sparfloxacin
- Terfenadine
Utilizing buprenorphine together with any of the following drugs is not usually recommended, but it could be necessary for certain instances. If the two medications are prescribed and your doctor recommends a change in the dosage or frequency you take one or both of the drugs.
- Acecainide
- Acepromazine
- Alfentanil
- Alfuzosin
- Almotriptan
- Alprazolam
- Amineptine
- Amiodarone
- Amisulpride
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amobarbital
- Amoxapine
- Amphetamine
- Amprenavir
- Anagrelide
- Apomorphine
- Aprepitant
- Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil
- Armodafinil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Asenapine
- Astemizole
- Atazanavir
- Azithromycin
- Baclofen
- Bedaquiline
- Benperidol
- Benzhydrocodone
- Benzphetamine
- Boceprevir
- Bosentan
- Bromazepam
- Bromopride
- Brompheniramine
- Bupropion
- Buserelin
- Buspirone
- Butabarbital
- Butorphanol
- Calcium Oxybate
- Cannabidiol
- Carbamazepine
- Carbinoxamine
- Cariprazine
- Carisoprodol
- Carphenazine
- Ceritinib
- Cetirizine
- Chloral Hydrate
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Chloroquine
- Chlorpheniramine
- Chlorpromazine
- Chlorzoxazone
- Ciprofloxacin
- Citalopram
- Clarithromycin
- Clobazam
- Clofazimine
- Clomipramine
- Clonazepam
- Clopidogrel
- Clorazepate
- Clozapine
- Cobicistat
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Conivaptan
- Crizotinib
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Cyclosporine
- Dabrafenib
- Dantrolene
- Darunavir
- Dasatinib
- Degarelix
- Delamanid
- Delavirdine
- Desipramine
- Deslorelin
- Desmopressin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Deutetrabenazine
- Dexamethasone
- Dexmedetomidine
- Dextroamphetamine
- Dextromethorphan
- Dezocine
- Diazepam
- Dibenzepin
- Dichloralphenazone
- Difenoxin
- Diltiazem
- Diphenhydramine
- Diphenoxylate
- Disopyramide
- Dofetilide
- Dolasetron
- Domperidone
- Donepezil
- Doxepin
- Doxylamine
- Droperidol
- Duloxetine
- Ebastine
- Efavirenz
- Eletriptan
- Encorafenib
- Enflurane
- Entrectinib
- Enzalutamide
- Eribulin
- Erythromycin
- Escitalopram
- Esketamine
- Eslicarbazepine Acetate
- Estazolam
- Eszopiclone
- Ethchlorvynol
- Ethopropazine
- Ethylmorphine
- Etravirine
- Famotidine
- Felbamate
- Fenfluramine
- Fentanyl
- Fexinidazole
- Fingolimod
- Flecainide
- Flibanserin
- Fluoxetine
- Fluphenazine
- Flurazepam
- Fluspirilene
- Fluvoxamine
- Formoterol
- Fosamprenavir
- Fosaprepitant
- Foscarnet
- Fosphenytoin
- Fospropofol
- Fostemsavir
- Frovatriptan
- Furazolidone
- Gabapentin
- Gabapentin Enacarbil
- Galantamine
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Glasdegib
- Gonadorelin
- Goserelin
- Granisetron
- Halazepam
- Halofantrine
- Haloperidol
- Halothane
- Hexobarbital
- Histrelin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Hydroquinidine
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Hydroxytryptophan
- Hydroxyzine
- Ibutilide
- Idelalisib
- Iloperidone
- Imatinib
- Imipramine
- Indinavir
- Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Isoflurane
- Itraconazole
- Ivabradine
- Ivacaftor
- Ivosidenib
- Ketamine
- Ketazolam
- Ketobemidone
- Lapatinib
- Lasmiditan
- Lefamulin
- Lemborexant
- Lenvatinib
- Leuprolide
- Levocetirizine
- Levofloxacin
- Levomilnacipran
- Levorphanol
- Linezolid
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lofexidine
- Lomitapide
- Lopinavir
- Lorazepam
- Lorcaserin
- Loxapine
- Lumacaftor
- Lumefantrine
- Lurasidone
- Macimorelin
- Magnesium Oxybate
- Meclizine
- Mefloquine
- Melitracen
- Melperone
- Meperidine
- Mephobarbital
- Meprobamate
- Meptazinol
- Metaxalone
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Methdilazine
- Methocarbamol
- Methohexital
- Methotrimeprazine
- Methylene Blue
- Metoclopramide
- Metronidazole
- Mibefradil
- Midazolam
- Mifepristone
- Milnacipran
- Mirtazapine
- Mitotane
- Mizolastine
- Mobocertinib
- Moclobemide
- Modafinil
- Molindone
- Moricizine
- Morphine
- Moxifloxacin
- Nafarelin
- Nafcillin
- Nalbuphine
- Naratriptan
- Nefazodone
- Nelfinavir
- Nevirapine
- Nialamide
- Nicomorphine
- Nilotinib
- Nitrazepam
- Nitrous Oxide
- Norfloxacin
- Nortriptyline
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Olanzapine
- Ondansetron
- Opipramol
- Opium
- Opium Alkaloids
- Orphenadrine
- Osilodrostat
- Osimertinib
- Oxaliplatin
- Oxazepam
- Oxcarbazepine
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Ozanimod
- Palbociclib
- Paliperidone
- Palonosetron
- Panobinostat
- Papaveretum
- Paregoric
- Paroxetine
- Pasireotide
- Pazopanib
- Pentamidine
- Pentazocine
- Pentobarbital
- Perampanel
- Perazine
- Periciazine
- Perphenazine
- Phenelzine
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Pimavanserin
- Pipamperone
- Piperacetazine
- Pipotiazine
- Piritramide
- Pitolisant
- Ponesimod
- Potassium Oxybate
- Prazepam
- Prednisone
- Pregabalin
- Primidone
- Probucol
- Procainamide
- Procarbazine
- Prochlorperazine
- Promazine
- Promethazine
- Propafenone
- Propofol
- Protriptyline
- Quazepam
- Quetiapine
- Quinidine
- Quinine
- Ramelteon
- Ranitidine
- Ranolazine
- Rasagiline
- Remifentanil
- Remimazolam
- Remoxipride
- Ribociclib
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- Risperidone
- Ritonavir
- Rizatriptan
- Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b-njft
- Scopolamine
- Secobarbital
- Selegiline
- Selpercatinib
- Sertindole
- Sertraline
- Sevoflurane
- Sibutramine
- Siponimod
- Sodium Oxybate
- Sodium Phosphate
- Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic
- Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic
- Solifenacin
- Sorafenib
- Sotalol
- St John’s Wort
- Sufentanil
- Sulpiride
- Sultopride
- Sumatriptan
- Sunitinib
- Suvorexant
- Tacrolimus
- Tamoxifen
- Tapentadol
- Telaprevir
- Telavancin
- Telithromycin
- Temazepam
- Tetrabenazine
- Thiethylperazine
- Thiopental
- Thiopropazate
- Thioridazine
- Thiothixene
- Tianeptine
- Tilidine
- Tizanidine
- Tolonium Chloride
- Tolterodine
- Topiramate
- Toremifene
- Tramadol
- Tranylcypromine
- Trazodone
- Triazolam
- Triclabendazole
- Trifluoperazine
- Trifluperidol
- Triflupromazine
- Trimeprazine
- Trimipramine
- Triptorelin
- Tryptophan
- Vandetanib
- Vardenafil
- Vemurafenib
- Venlafaxine
- Verapamil
- Vilanterol
- Vilazodone
- Vinflunine
- Voclosporin
- Voriconazole
- Vorinostat
- Vortioxetine
- Zaleplon
- Ziprasidone
- Zolpidem
- Zopiclone
- Zotepine
- Zuclopenthixol
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Interactions with food, tobacco and alcohol
Certain medications are not recommended to be taken at or in conjunction with having food items or eating particular kinds of food as interactions could happen. The use of tobacco or alcohol together with certain medications can result in interactions. The following interactions have been chosen because of their potential importance and may not be all-inclusive.
Combining buprenorphine with one of the following is generally not recommended, but it could be necessary for certain situations. If taken in combination, your physician may modify the dosage or the often you take buprenorphine or provide specific directions concerning the consumption of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
- Ethanol
Other medical conditions
The presence of medical issues can impact the usage of buprenorphine. It is important to inform your doctor if there are any other medical conditions including:
- Addison’s Disease (adrenal gland issue)
- History of alcohol abuse
- Brain tumor
- CNS depression
- Congestive heart failure
- Cor pulmonale (serious heart condition)
- Drug dependence, specifically dependencies or abuse of narcotic
- Prostate cancer that is larger
- Head injuries
- Heart disease that is unstable
- Heart rhythm disorders (eg atrial fibrillation slow heartbeat Long QT syndrome)
- Hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood)
- Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels in the blood)
- Hyperthyroidism (an unactive thyroid)
- Kyphoscoliosis (curvature of the spine that may cause breathing difficulties)
- Breathing or lung problems (eg, COPD, hypercapnia sleep apnea, hypoxia)
- Mental illness,
- Troubles passing urine – Use with care. Risk of developing more severe adverse negative effects.
- Problems with the gallbladder
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Seizures, past history of– Use with care. Could make these conditions more severe.
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease – Use with cautiousness. The effect may be heightened due to the slower elimination of the medication in the human body.
- Breathing or lung problems serious
- Stomach or bowel obstruction (eg paralytic ileus)–Should not be prescribed to patients with these conditions.
Properly using buprenorphine
A nurse or another trained health professional can provide you or your child with buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is administered in the form of a shot that is injected beneath your skin, in the muscle, or the vein.
It is crucial to understand the rules in Sublocade(r) REMS. Sublocade(r) REMS program, and familiarize yourself to Sublocade(r)’s Sublocade(r) prescription guide. Learn and follow these directions attentively. Talk to your doctor if have any concerns. Consult your pharmacist for the medication guide if you don’t have one.
The doctor will prescribe you several doses of buprenorphine to ensure that your condition improves. They will the next step is to switch you or your child on an oral medication that works similarly. If you have concerns about this, consult your physician.
Be aware of the precautions when using buprenorphine.
It is vital to have your doctor examine the development of your child who is taking buprenorphine. This will enable your doctor to determine whether the medicine is functioning effectively and determine whether you or your child should continue taking the medication.
Buprenorphine can cause dependence. In the event that you are or your child feels that the medication isn’t functioning as it should take care not to use more than the dose you are prescribed. Consult your physician for advice.
Utilizing narcotics for an extended duration can result in extreme constipation. To avoid this, your doctor might advise the child or you to use laxatives, drink lots of fluids or increase your intake of fiber that is included in your diet. Follow the instructions with care, since persistent constipation could lead to more serious health issues.
The signs of an overdose may include symptoms of drowsiness, extremely weak or dizzy and irregular, rapid or slow breathing, blue or pale lips, fingernails, eyes that appear to be pinpointed at ease and calm breathing, a slow heartbeat in a sleepy state, seizures and breathing problems, as well as cold or cold, or clammy skin. Inform your doctor immediately when you experience these signs. Your doctor could also prescribe Naloxone to treat an overdose.
Buprenorphine can cause breathing issues (eg sleep apnea, insomnia-related hypoxemia). Your doctor might reduce the dosage if you suffer from insomnia, apnea (stop breathing for a short period in the night) when you are taking buprenorphine.
Buprenorphine can enhance those effects caused by alcohol as well as other CNS depressants (medicines that can cause you to become more drowsy or less awake). A few examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines and medicines for colds or allergies such as sedatives, tranquilizers or sleeping pills, prescribed pain medications or narcotics, medicines for seizures or barbiturates anesthetics, or muscle relaxants such as certain dental anesthetics. Talk to your doctor prior to using any of the other medications mentioned above when your child or you receives buprenorphine.
Buprenorphine could cause you to feel dizzy, drowsy confused, or confused. Don’t drive or do anything else that may be hazardous until you understand how buprenorphine affects your body.
In the event that you or your child are receiving buprenorphine on a regular basis for several weeks, do not suddenly discontinue treatment without talking to your doctor. Your child or you may be advised to gradually decrease the amount of buprenorphine you’re using before stopping treatment completely, to reduce the risk of experiencing withdrawal-related adverse consequences (eg stomach cramps or fever, anxiety, a runny nose, and restlessness).
Buprenorphine can increase the chances of developing serious reactions to injection sites. Consult your physician right immediately if you notice bleeding or blistering. Burning or cold, discoloration of the skin, a sensation like pressure or hives inflammation, irritation lumps, numbness discomfort, rash, redness, and soreness. swelling, stinging, and tingling. It can also cause ulceration or discomfort at the site of injection.
Buprenorphine, when you’re pregnant, can cause neonatal withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby. Contact your doctor right away when your baby exhibits an abnormal sleeping pattern and diarrhea, crying that is high pitched, irritability shakes or tremors vomiting, or weight loss or is unable to gain weight.
Consult your physician immediately if you experience skin darkening or if you experience dizziness, diarrhea, feeling faint, losing appetite, and mental depression. You may also experience a rash of your skin abnormal tiredness nausea or weakness. These are signs of problems with the adrenal glands.
Get in touch with your doctor immediately If you notice any changes in the rhythm of your heart. You may feel dizzy, weak, or experience a rapid and pounding heartbeat. Be sure to inform your doctor whether you or someone in your family has experienced a heart-rhythm issue like QT prolongation.
Buprenorphine can cause serious allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis. It can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical treatment. Contact your physician immediately when you notice an itchy, rash and breathing difficulties, problems swallowing, or swelling of your hands, face, or mouth when the child or you is taking buprenorphine.
Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience the symptoms of dark urine, general fatigue and weakening, pale-colored stool nausea and vomiting upper right stomach pain, and yellow skin and eyes. These are signs of liver issues.
Talk to your doctor now if you are experiencing anxiousness, restlessness fast heartbeat, fever muscle spasms or sweating or twitching, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting or hear or see things that you don’t see or hear. These are signs of a more serious disease called serotonin syndrome. The risk is higher when you are also taking certain other medications that impact the levels of serotonin in your body.
Utilizing too much buprenorphine can result in infertility (unable for children). Consult your physician prior to taking buprenorphine in case you are planning for having kids.
Be sure that the dentist or doctor who sees you know that you’ve been taking Sublocade injection within the last six months.
Don’t take any other medication in the absence of discussing with your physician. This includes prescription and prescription (over-the-counter OTC) medicine, herbal and vitamin supplements.
Buprenorphine side effects
Alongside its necessary effects, medicines can produce unwanted side adverse effects. While not all of these negative side effects are likely to occur, if they occur, they could require medical attention.
Consult your physician or nurse right away if one of these symptoms occur:
More popular
- Drowsiness
- A calm and relaxed feeling
- insomnia
Rare
- Bleeding, blistering and coldness, skin discoloration sensation of pressure swelling, hives Itching, lumps the sensation of being numb, pain, and redness. Scarring swelling, soreness, stinging tenderness, tingling heat, or ulceration near the site of injection.
- Blueish hue of fingernails or lips, skin fingers, or the nail bed
- blurred vision
- burning and itching sensation of numbness, pain, “pins and needles” or tingling sensations
- chest discomfort or pain
- confusion
- breath is difficult or labored.
- experiencing or seeing things that aren’t present
- the feeling that other people are watching or directing your actions
- you feel that others are able to sense that others are able to
- headache
- Mental or mood swings that are severe
- Slurred speech
- The chest is tight
- strange behavior
Incidence unknown
- Agitation
- anxiety
- cough
- Darkening of the skin
- deep or fast breathing and dizziness
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- fainting
- febrile
- irregular heartbeats
- irritability
- Large, hive-like swellings around the eyes, face mouth, lips throat, hands, feet, legs, or sexual organs
- Appetit loss
- Loss of muscle coordination
- nausea
- Nervousness
- loud breathing
- Reflexes that are overactive
- poor coordination
- insanity
- seizures
- shaking
- Shivering
- Skin the rash
- sweating
- engaging in a rousing conversation or acting which is uncontrollable
- Trouble sleep
- Twitching
- unusual weakness or fatigue
- vomiting
Seek emergency assistance immediately If any of the following signs of an overdose develop:
The signs of an overdose
- Vision blurred
- confusion
- Trouble breathing or difficulty breathing
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness after rising abruptly from a sitting or lying or seated
- Slow or irregular breathing or with a shallow, slow, or irregular breathing
- pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
- pinpoint pupils
- Calm and relaxed
- Drowsiness, sleepiness, or unusually sleepiness or unusual
- sweating
- unusual weakness or fatigue
There are some side effects that can occur which usually don’t require medical treatment. These symptoms may be eliminated when the body adapts to you. Additionally your health professional might be able to inform you on how to prevent or lessen certain adverse effects. Consult your doctor in the event that any of these adverse effects persist or are uncomfortable or if you have concerns regarding these:
Less well-known
- Constricted, pinpoint, or tiny pupil (black area of the eyes)
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness after rising abruptly from a sitting or lying in a supine or lying
- extremely slow or shallow breathing
- sweating
Rare
- Dry, burning eyes, or burning
- chills
- continuous buzzing or ringing, or some other noise that is not explained within the ears
- lower frequency of the urinary frequency
- diminution in the volume of urine
- Depression
- difficult to pass urine (dribbling)
- discharge, excessive tearing
- Dreaming
- dry mouth
- Unusual or false sense of good health
- rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeats or pulses
- sensation of warmth
- hearing loss
- the skin is itchy
- UTIs that are painful
- A pounding sound in the ears
- Redness in the face the neck, face, and, occasionally, the upper chest.
- discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eyelids lid, eyelid, or even the eyelid’s inner lining
Incidence unknown
- Belching
- The bloated
- bluish lips or skin
- Vision changes
- Gas or excess air can be found within the stomach, or gastric intestines
- Feeling of completeness
- the feeling of being out of touch
- a general sensation of discomfort or illness
- heartburn
- Hepsies or welts
- visually impaired
- indigestion
- Not breathing
- Skin’s paleness
- passing gas
- The skin is red
- feelings of separation of self or body
- stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
Other adverse side effects that are not listed can also occur in certain patients. If you experience any other symptoms, consult with your physician.
Always consult your physician to confirm that the information provided on this site is appropriate to your particular situation.