Probuphine
Generical name: buprenorphine (implant)
Name of the brand: Probuphine
It is believed that the Probuphine Brand name was removed from the U.S. If generic versions of this drug are approved by FDA it is possible that there are similar generic versions available.
What is Probuphine?
Probuphine (buprenorphine) is an opioid medicine. Sometimes, opioids are referred to as narcotics.
Probuphine implants are utilized for treating addiction to narcotics some people have been previously treated and controlled using other buprenorphine types (such as Subutex and Suboxone). Implants made of probuphine are suitable for adolescents and adults who have reached the age of 16 of age.
Probuphine implant is only available from a licensed pharmacy that is part of an exclusive program. It is necessary to be registered to the program and know the potential risks and benefits of this drug. Implants are not intended to be used as a painkiller.¶
Warnings
The removal and/or insertion of Probuphine implants could result in life-threatening or serious complications.
Discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of taking Probuphine. Check all patient information as well as the medication guides and instructions sheets given to you.
Before you start taking this medicine, make sure to consult your doctor
You shouldn’t make use of Probuphine implants if sensitive to buprenorphine.
To be sure Probuphine is safe for you, ask your physician if you’ve previously had:
- breathing issues, sleep apnea
- liver disease;
- issues with your gallbladder, or thyroid gland;
- Prostate enlargement, urinary issues;
- Addison’s syndrome (the adrenal gland disorders);
- an abnormal curvature of the spine which affects breathing
- A head injury, brain tumors, or cord disorders;
- mental illness or psychosis
- alcoholism or
- skin issues, such as abnormal growths or scars.
If you take buprenorphine when you’re pregnant the baby could develop a dependency on the medication. This can cause withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening for the infant after it is born. Baby’s who are dependent on buprenorphine could require medical attention for a few weeks. Inform your doctor if are pregnant or are planning to be pregnant.
Buprenorphine may be found in the breast milk of a nursing baby and cause breathing difficulties or drowsiness for nursing babies. Consult your physician regarding any possible risks.
Probuphine implants are not permitted for use by people less than 16 years old.
What are the methods of Probuphine implant used?
A Probuphine Implant is 1-inch rod that is inserted via a needle (under local anesthesia) into the skin of your upper arm. You’ll receive a total of four implants.
Following you have had the Probuphine implant is placed your arm will then be covered by two bandages. Take off the top bandage within 24 hours, but keep the smaller bandage in place for three to five days. Make sure the area is free of dirt and dry. Apply an ice-pack to the area once every two hours in the beginning of the day and leave the ice pack in place for about 40 minutes at one time.
For at least one week, examine the area where the incision was made for swelling, redness, warmth or other indications of an infection.
Contact your physician immediately If you experience any of these symptoms after the implants have been inserted:
- An implant is affixed to the skin on its own;
- If you experience pain, itching, and swelling. You may also experience redness or bleeding;
- you feel weak or numb in your arm;
- you are feeling tired.
Inform your doctor if are unable to sense the Probuphine implant beneath your skin. Your doctor could run medical tests or suggest you consult an expert surgeon.
Probuphine implants may remain in place for up to six months. They must then be removed surgically. Don’t try taking out the implant on your own.
If you have an implant that comes from your arm and is left behind, store it in a safe place so that no one else can access it. If you are able to you can return the implant to your physician. The misuse of a PROBUPHINE Implant can lead to addiction or overdose, or even death especially for children or another person using the implant incorrectly or without the prescribing. Selling or giving Probuphine implants for free is illegal.
Probuphine is just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan which may include counseling or other forms of support for addiction. Consult your doctor if Probuphine implants aren’t working in reducing the signs of addiction.
Any physician who cares for you must know that you’re being treated for an addiction to opioids and are taking buprenorphine. Make sure your family members are aware of how to relay this information should they need to talk with you in an emergency.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Opiate Dependence – Maintenance:
To be used in patients who are opioid-tolerant who have met ALL requirements of these requirements:
Clinical stability of transmucosal buprenorphine, as demonstrated by a steady dose lasting three months or more without the need for additional dosage or dose adjustments.
– Currently receiving maintenance buprenorphine (with or without Naloxone) in doses of less than 8 mg/day or an equivalent transmucosal drug (e.g. Bunavail buprenorphine 4.2 mg/naloxone 0.7 mg/day or less, or Zubsolv buprenorphine 5.7 mg/naloxone 1.4 mg/day or less)
Patients should not be tapered down to lower doses with solely the purpose of transferring to an implant.
Subdermally, apply 1 dose to the inside of the upper arm.
Remove the plant at the end of the sixth month
Comments:
Implant insertions and removals should be handled by licensed medical professionals.
Each dose is comprised of four implants. Each implant is made up of 74.2 mg buprenorphine
After 1 implant is inserted in each arm, the majority of patients will be referred back to transmucosal implants to ensure continued treatment. There is no evidence of implanting additional implants into different locations in an arm, or in an earlier-used site.
Uses: In the treatment of addiction to opioids within a comprehensive treatment program that includes psychosocial and counseling. There isn’t a maximum recommended duration of maintenance therapy, as it is possible to require indefinite treatment and when the decision is taken to stop treatment, dosages are to be reduced.
If I don’t take a dose?
Because Probuphine implants are inserted under the skin, small doses of buprenorphine can be continuously absorbed to your body for up to six months. It is very likely that you will not be absent from a dose.
If I consume too much?
Get medical attention immediately or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A high dose of buprenorphine may be fatal.
The symptoms of an overdose can include extreme insomnia, bright pupils and breathing that is shallow or weak or loss of consciousness.
What should I be aware of when taking Probuphine?
Don’t drink or consume alcohol. Dangerous side effects or even death could happen.
Avoid operating machinery or driving until you are aware of how buprenorphine affects you. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents, falls or even serious injuries.
Do not use any opioid pain medication without a prescription from your doctor. Opioid pain medicine won’t work as well when you’re using Probuphine. Consult your physician about alternatives to pain relief.
Probuphine side effects
Take immediate medical attention If you exhibit symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction Probuphine: hives; difficulty breathing or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
The removal or inserting of the Probuphine implant could create life-threatening or fatal problems, including damage to blood vessels or nerves. Consult your physician about these dangers.
Contact your doctor immediately If you suffer from:
- withdrawal symptoms from opioids symptoms include shivering and goose bumps; increased sweating sensation of cold or hot with runny eyes, watery nose vomiting, diarrhea;
- confusion, agitation, or any other changes in your mental health;
- extreme drowsiness, trouble concentrating;
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you’re about to pass out.
- Breathing is the weak or shallow breath that ceases during sleeping;
- blurred vision, slurred speech difficulties in walking or reflexes or coordination;
- low levels of cortisol nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, dizziness more fatigue, or weakness.
You should seek medical attention now if you are experiencing symptoms of serotonin syndrome for example hallucinations, agitation, sweating, fever, and shivering. You may also experience a rapid heart rate stiffness of muscles or twitching. Also, you may experience loss of coordination nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
The long-term use of opioids could alter the fertility (the ability for having children) for women or men. It is unclear if the effects of opioids on fertility can be permanent.
Common Probuphine side effects can be:
- Itching, pain, redness bleeding, swelling, or bleeding from the area where implants were placed;
- headache, mood depressor; arrhythmias
- nausea, vomiting, constipation;
- back discomfort;
- tooth pain tooth pain
- sore throat.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other medications can impact Probuphine?
There is a possibility of breathing issues or withdrawal symptoms when you discontinue or change the dosage of different medications. Talk to your doctor if are also taking an antifungal, antibiotic, blood pressure or heart medicine, medication for seizures, or medicine for treating HIV or Hepatitis C.
Opioid medications can interact with other drugs, causing deadly side effects or even death. Be sure your doctor is aware of if you are taking:
- medications for allergies or colds such as bronchodilator asthma/COPD medicine or a diuretic (“water pill”);
- medicine to treat motion sickness IBS, motion sickness, or an overactive bladder.
- other narcotic drugs such as opioid pain medicine and prescription medicine for cough
- a sedative that is similar to Valium is diazepam alprazolam lorazepam, Xanax, Klonopin, Versed, and others;
- substances that cause you to be tired or reduce you’re breathing A sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, medication to treat mental illnesses or mood disorders; or
- drugs that alter serotonin levels within your body as a stimulant or medication to treat Parkinson’s disease, depression, chronic infections, migraine headaches or vomiting, and nausea.
This list isn’t complete. Other medications may be incompatible with buprenorphine, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter as well as vitamins and herbal products. There are not all interactions included in this guide to medications.
Alternatives to Probuphine
There are other drugs as well as different dosage forms that can be used to treat the problem of opioid addiction.
Discuss with your doctor which treatment is the most suitable for you.
Buprenorphine
- IM injection (Sublocade), Sublingual (Subutex)
Naloxone and Buprenorphine
- Sublingual (Bunavail, Suboxone, Zubsolv)
Lofexidine
- Tablets (Lucemyra)
Methadone
- Tablets (Dolophine)
Naltrexone
- IM injection (Vivitrol), Naltrexone tablets
In the event of an opioid overdose, during an emergency:
Naloxone
Other medicines that are related to them:
Buprenorphine to treat severe pain: