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Buprenorphine (pain relief)

Buprenorphine is used to treat moderate to severe pain
The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation and drowsiness

About buprenorphine

Type of medicine Analgesic
Used for Pain relief
Also called BuTrans; Temgesic; Transtec
Available as Sublingual (dissolve in the mouth) tablets, skin patches and injection form

Buprenorphine is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It can also be used to ease pain before, during and after an operation, it works on the nerves and brain to reduce the pain you feel.

Before taking buprenorphine

Before taking buprenorphine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding If you suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties If you are an alcoholic, regularly drink large amounts of alcohol or if you have ever had a drug related problem If you have been taking any other opioid drugs e.g. heroin, methadone If you suffer from liver or kidney problems If you have ever suffered a head injury or brain disorder If you suffer from low blood pressure. If you suffer from thyroid or prostate problems If you suffer from paralytic ileus (paralysis of the bowel muscle/blocked intestine) or if you suffer from intense stomach pain If you suffer from epilepsy, have a history of epilepsy or if you have ever had 'fits' of any kind If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a condition affecting the adrenal glands)

How to take buprenorphine

If you are using the sublingual form of buprenorphine, the tablet should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely. Avoid swallowing until tablet is fully dissolved. If you have been given skin patches, apply to dry, non-irritated, non-hairy skin on the upper body. Remove after 72 hours, 96 hours or 7 days depending on the instructions of the patches you have been given. Apply the replacement patch to a different area of skin. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Signs of overdose can include pinpoint pupils, difficulty breathing and eventually unconsciousness. If you suspect that you or someone else has had an overdose of buprenorphine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

Because buprenorphine is a controlled drug, if you are planning a trip abroad, check with the correct government department (HM Revenue and Customs) to see if you need any documentation for your medicine. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has a list of medicines that contain controlled drugs and can tell you the amount that you are allowed to take abroad. If you need to pack more of your medicine than you are allowed you will need to apply in writing for a licence from the Home Office before you travel. If a rash develops, where you have used a patch, avoid this area for as long as possible and speak with your doctor if it is severe

Can buprenorphine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness and blurred vision Make sure your reactions are normal and that you can see properly before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Nausea and vomiting It usually passes after a few days; as you adjust to the medicine. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a medicine to ease nausea.
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a laxative.
Difficulty passing water Speak with your doctor if this happens.
Hallucinations Speak with your doctor if this is a problem.
Difficulty breathing Speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
Dizziness, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying position Getting up slowly should help.

How to store buprenorphine

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines


Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
EMIS 2009 DocID: 1405 DocRef: dils2448 Last Reviewed: 3 Jan 2007 Version: 23

Author:EMIS
Copyright 2006 EMIS, HTML generated by EMIS Knowledge Source Editor