Belbuca

Pain, Opioid-Related Disorders, Pain

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

0 Active Studies for Belbuca

What is Belbuca

Buprenorphine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat severe pain and opioid addiction. It is sold under the brand name Suboxone and is formulated with naloxone, a drug that blocks the effects of opioids if injected. Buprenorphine works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, but it has weaker effects than other opioids. This makes it less likely to cause side effects, such as sedation, respiratory depression, and overdose. Buprenorphine is also used in opioid substitution therapy to help people with opioid addiction stop using illicit drugs and reduce their risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C.

Buprenex

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Belbuca Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Buprenex

Buprenorphine

1985

261

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Buprenorphine, commonly known as Buprenex, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses which include Opioid Dependence and Opioid-Related Disorders .

Opioid Dependence

Used to treat Opioid Dependence in combination with Naloxone

Opioid-Related Disorders

Used to treat Opioid Dependence in combination with Naloxone

Effectiveness

How Belbuca Affects Patients

Buprenorphine is an opioid pain reliever that works by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It can cause feelings of euphoria, drowsiness, decreased cough reflex, and constricted pupils. It can be addictive and can lead to physical dependence if taken for a long time. If stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms such as body aches, trouble sleeping, and stomach cramps can occur. It can also cause life-threatening respiratory depression and overdose, especially when taken with other CNS depressants like alcohol. It can lead to constipation, and its long-term use can affect the hormones that control sexual function and

How Belbuca works in the body

Buprenorphine is a drug that acts on opioid receptors in the body. It binds to the mu-opioid receptor and blocks the kappa-opioid receptor. It binds to the mu-opioid receptor much more strongly than other opioids like heroin, oxycodone, or methadone, but it has less of an effect on the body than those drugs. This means that when you take buprenorphine, you don't get as much pain relief but you also don't experience as strong of side effects, like respiratory depression. It also means that people don't get as much of a

When to interrupt dosage

The prescribed measure of Belbuca is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Pain, Pain and Opioid Dependence. The dosage fluctuates as per the method of delivery (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Sublingual) featured in the table underneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Pain

0.324 mg/mL, , 0.3 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 0.01 mg/hour, 0.02 mg/hour, 0.005 mg/hour, 2.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.9 mg, 0.0075 mg/hour, 0.015 mg/hour, 12.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 1.4 mg, 11.4 mg, 2.9 mg, 5.7 mg, 8.6 mg, 0.7 mg, 4.2 mg, 2.1 mg, 6.3 mg, 0.2 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.0025 mg/hour, 74.2 mg, 96.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 128.0 mg, 64.0 mg, 32.0 mg, 300.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/mL, 7.5 mg/hour, 15.0 mg/hour, 20.0 mg/hour, 5.0 mg/hour, 10.0 mg/hour

, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet, Transdermal, Patch, extended release, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Film, Buccal, Film - Buccal, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Patch, Patch - Transdermal, Film, soluble - Buccal, Solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Solution, gel forming, extended release, Solution, gel forming, extended release - Subcutaneous

Opioid-Related Disorders

0.324 mg/mL, , 0.3 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 0.01 mg/hour, 0.02 mg/hour, 0.005 mg/hour, 2.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.9 mg, 0.0075 mg/hour, 0.015 mg/hour, 12.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 1.4 mg, 11.4 mg, 2.9 mg, 5.7 mg, 8.6 mg, 0.7 mg, 4.2 mg, 2.1 mg, 6.3 mg, 0.2 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.0025 mg/hour, 74.2 mg, 96.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 128.0 mg, 64.0 mg, 32.0 mg, 300.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/mL, 7.5 mg/hour, 15.0 mg/hour, 20.0 mg/hour, 5.0 mg/hour, 10.0 mg/hour

, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet, Transdermal, Patch, extended release, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Film, Buccal, Film - Buccal, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Patch, Patch - Transdermal, Film, soluble - Buccal, Solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Solution, gel forming, extended release, Solution, gel forming, extended release - Subcutaneous

Pain

0.324 mg/mL, , 0.3 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 0.01 mg/hour, 0.02 mg/hour, 0.005 mg/hour, 2.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.9 mg, 0.0075 mg/hour, 0.015 mg/hour, 12.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 1.4 mg, 11.4 mg, 2.9 mg, 5.7 mg, 8.6 mg, 0.7 mg, 4.2 mg, 2.1 mg, 6.3 mg, 0.2 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.0025 mg/hour, 74.2 mg, 96.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 128.0 mg, 64.0 mg, 32.0 mg, 300.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/mL, 7.5 mg/hour, 15.0 mg/hour, 20.0 mg/hour, 5.0 mg/hour, 10.0 mg/hour

, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet, Transdermal, Patch, extended release, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Film, Buccal, Film - Buccal, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Patch, Patch - Transdermal, Film, soluble - Buccal, Solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Solution, gel forming, extended release, Solution, gel forming, extended release - Subcutaneous

Warnings

Belbuca has twenty-two contraindications, and it should not be consumed in conjunction with any of the conditions presented in the following table.

Belbuca Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium

Do Not Combine

Asthma

Do Not Combine

Severe Hepatic Impairment

Do Not Combine

suspected gastrointestinal obstruction

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Asthma

Do Not Combine

Gastrointestinal obstruction

Do Not Combine

Head

Do Not Combine

ethanol

Do Not Combine

Stomatitis

Do Not Combine

Abdomen

Do Not Combine

severe CNS depression

Do Not Combine

opioid naive

Do Not Combine

Myasthenia Gravis

Do Not Combine

Epilepsy

Do Not Combine

Hypocalcemia

Do Not Combine

Hypokalemia

Do Not Combine

Hypomagnesemia

Do Not Combine

Mental Depression

Do Not Combine

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Do Not Combine

Long QT Syndrome

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Belbuca.

Common Belbuca Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Abemaciclib

Major

The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Buprenorphine.

Acalabrutinib

Major

The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Buprenorphine.

Alectinib

Major

The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Buprenorphine.

Aminophylline

Major

The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Buprenorphine.

Astemizole

Major

The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Buprenorphine.

Belbuca Toxicity & Overdose Risk

An overdose of Morphine can cause constricted pupils, drowsiness, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and even death.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Belbuca Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Belbuca?

Currently, 21 active trials are assessing the possibility of using Belbuca to address Opioid Dependence, Pain and Nociceptive Pain.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Pain

0 Actively Recruiting

Pain

0 Actively Recruiting

Opioid-Related Disorders

0 Actively Recruiting

Belbuca Reviews: What are patients saying about Belbuca?

5

Patient Review

1/2/2022

Belbuca for Chronic Pain

This treatment really helped me get my life back to normal by gradually relieving my back pain. At first, it was a bit weird to put in my mouth but you get used to it. It's best if you don't drink liquids or eat for a while after putting it in. I haven't tried other medications so I can't compare it to oxycodone or morphine, but this worked well for me.

4.7

Patient Review

5/10/2022

Belbuca for Chronic Pain

I was able to sit in a chair for the first time pain-free in three years, thanks to this medicine. I take 40mg of hydrocodone and 2 150mcg doses of belbuca every day. I feel like this has truly changed my life for the better and given me back some quality of life.

4

Patient Review

4/13/2022

Belbuca for Severe Pain

I hadn't been able to turn my head to the right for two months due to T2 T3 T4 disc generation, and I have a spine stimulator installed for my L5 disc that protruded into my nerves. Within 5 minutes of putting the strip in my mouth, I could turn my head again. I still have discomfort but maybe the dose just needs increased.

1.7

Patient Review

3/14/2022

Belbuca for Severe Pain

I took this for over a year and found it to be completely ineffective. I actually had more success when I stopped taking Percocet and only relied on Belbuca 450.

1.3

Patient Review

11/17/2021

Belbuca for severe chronic pain requiring long-term opioid treatment

I can't get this to stay on my cheek long enough to actually work, and it's way too expensive. I've tried a similar patch before but had issues with the adhesive giving me rashes.

1.3

Patient Review

6/15/2022

Belbuca for severe chronic pain requiring long-term opioid treatment

This treatment didn't work very well for me. It only slightly eased my pain, and now I'm dealing with a whole host of other dental problems.

1.3

Patient Review

10/17/2021

Belbuca for Chronic Pain

This medication did not help relieve my pain or increase my mobility at all. I took it as prescribed, but felt that it only worked against my other hydrocodone medication. In my opinion, this drug is good for people who are in minimal pain or exaggerate their level of discomfort.

1

Patient Review

9/2/2021

Belbuca for Chronic Pain

Belbuca was ineffective and actually caused me new problems. My teeth started hurting and feeling weak while using this treatment, and the patch itself would often drift onto my teeth. Additionally, you can't move around much with the patch in your mouth or else it will roll up and stop sticking to your cheek. Overall, I found the pain relief to be minimal and short-acting, even when I doubled the dose. In conclusion: horrible delivery system, negligible results.

1

Patient Review

9/2/2021

Belbuca for Chronic Pain

Not only was this treatment ineffective for me, but it also made my teeth hurt and feel weak. I was unable to function normally and had to stay in bed most of the time just to reduce the pain. The delivery system is also very difficult and ridiculous.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about belbuca

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What class of drug is BELBUCA?

"BELBUCA contains buprenorphine, which is a Schedule III controlled substance. As an opioid, BELBUCA users are at risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse."

Answered by AI

Is BELBUCA same as Suboxone?

"The active medication in Belbuca (buprenorphine) and Suboxone is buprenorphine. Belbuca (buprenorphine) is a buccal film placed in the cheek that is used for pain, where as Suboxone is film or tablet placed under the tongue used for opioid dependence."

Answered by AI

Is BELBUCA a strong drug?

"BELBUCA is a strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid (narcotic) that is used to manage severe pain that requires continuous, around-the-clock treatment with an opioid. Other pain treatments, such as non-opioid pain medicines or immediate-release opioid medications, are not effective for this type of pain."

Answered by AI

What is BELBUCA and how does it work?

"BELBUCA is a small, thin square film that dissolves completely, allowing the medicine buprenorphine to be absorbed more efficiently. It has a mild peppermint taste."

Answered by AI