Buprenex

Pain, Opioid-Related Disorders, Pain

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

0 Active Studies for Buprenex

What is Buprenex

Buprenorphine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Buprenorphine is a weak opioid used to treat severe pain and opioid addiction. It comes in the form of Suboxone, which is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone prevents the opioid effects of buprenorphine if injected intravenously. Buprenorphine creates a long-lasting effect, providing relief for up to 24-36 hours. It also has a lower risk of overdose compared to other opioids like methadone, fewer drug interactions, and less Qtc interval prolongation. Buprenorphine is often used as part of Opioid

Buprenex

is the brand name

Buprenex 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 Buprenex Affects Patients

Buprenorphine is an opioid used to treat pain. It works by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues. It causes pain relief, sedation, and can cause people to feel good or bad. It slows breathing, suppresses coughs, and makes pupils smaller. If taken for more than a month, it may cause dependence and withdrawal signs if stopped. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, and hormone changes. Buprenorphine can be misused and cause serious respiratory depression and death. It can also cause constipation, adrenal ins

How Buprenex works in the body

Buprenorphine is an opioid that binds to the mu-opioid receptor in the body, but does not activate it as strongly as other opioids like heroin or oxycodone. This means that its effects do not increase significantly with larger doses, reducing the chance of overdose. Additionally, it does not cause the same level of sedation or euphoria as other opioids, which can help improve quality of life for those in severe pain. It is important to note that if taken by someone who is already dependent on opioids, buprenorphine can cause a rapid and intense onset of withdrawal symptoms. The prescription drug Subox

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested dosage of Buprenex hinges upon the diagnosed condition, such as Pain, Pain and Opioid Dependence. The measure of dosage changes dependent on the technique of administration (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Sublingual) presented in the table hereunder.

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

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

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

Warnings

Buprenex has twenty-two contraindications and should not be combined with the conditions presented in the accompanying table.

Buprenex 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 Buprenex.

Common Buprenex 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.

Buprenex Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Signs of an overdose on opioids include very small pupils, sleepiness, low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing, which can lead to death.

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

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

21 active clinical trials are being conducted to examine the potential of Buprenex to alleviate Opioid Dependence, Pain and Discomfort.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Pain

0 Actively Recruiting

Pain

0 Actively Recruiting

Opioid-Related Disorders

0 Actively Recruiting

Buprenex Reviews: What are patients saying about Buprenex?

5

Patient Review

5/7/2009

Buprenex for Additional Agent to Induce General Anesthesia

Though this medication appears to be alleviating my cat's pain, I have significant concerns about its long-term effects. I will be contacting the veterinarian for further guidance.

5

Patient Review

5/4/2008

Buprenex for Pain

4.7

Patient Review

11/5/2009

Buprenex for Symptoms from Stopping Treatment with Opioid Drugs

I've been using this as a replacement for opiates and it's working really well. I haven't had any withdrawal symptoms, which is amazing. I currently inject 2 vials 4-5 times a day for pain and it's much better than the feeling of taking opiates.

4.3

Patient Review

10/6/2009

Buprenex for Pain

My cat had some puncture wounds that my vet said were most likely from a fight or jumping over a wire fence. They gave him this injection, but unfortunately he now has kidney failure.

4

Patient Review

11/20/2010

Buprenex for Symptoms from Stopping Treatment with Opioid Drugs

Not my first choice, but better than I initially thought.

3.7

Patient Review

2/12/2011

Buprenex for Severe Pain

I was very careful with dosing my fiancee for this drug, only giving her a fraction of the recommended amount. Even still, she got violently ill and felt awful for two days straight. So while it's great for withdrawal symptoms, be warned that even small doses can have some nasty side effects.

3.7

Patient Review

6/3/2009

Buprenex for Symptoms from Stopping Treatment with Opioid Drugs

I had a severe allergic reaction to this drug, which was effective for pain relief. I went into respiratory failure and woke up in the ICU on a ventilator. Please be careful when taking this medication.

3.3

Patient Review

9/18/2010

Buprenex for Pain

My cat was given this medication for pain relief by the vet. They said it would be like aspirin for her back due to arthritis. However, I took her to another vet and they said this medicine is more like giving a human morphine. It will break down their liver function. So don't give this to your animal!

3.3

Patient Review

12/21/2008

Buprenex for Pain

3

Patient Review

4/11/2008

Buprenex for Pain

2.3

Patient Review

6/13/2010

Buprenex for Pain

We were given this medication for our dog's pain, but it caused a lot of adverse reactions. We had to take her back to the vet immediately after administration because she couldn't move and was panting heavily.

2.3

Patient Review

7/2/2010

Buprenex for Pain

Avoid this drug if you have hydrocephalus.

2

Patient Review

5/1/2010

Buprenex for Pain

I was given this drug by a doctor in Richmond after using opiates for a long time. I had 32 shots over 10 days, every 4 hours for 2 days, then 2 days every 6 hours, 2 days every 8 hours, 2 days every 10, 2 days every 12 hours, and finally 2 days of 1 shot per day! If you want to get off of opiates without any withdrawal symptoms, this is the way to go! I could eat, work and sleep! It's great for this purpose!

2

Patient Review

1/16/2009

Buprenex for Pain

I used this on my cat when he was suffering from an infection and it did help to relieve his pain.

1.7

Patient Review

8/3/2009

Buprenex for Pain

This drug was very effective in treating withdrawal symptoms from opiates, as well as managing pain.

1

Patient Review

7/26/2010

Buprenex for Pain

I did not appreciate the way this made my cat, Renn, feel. He was given this by the vet for issues urinating and the next day he seemed much better.

1

Patient Review

8/11/2009

Buprenex for Pain

Unfortunately, this treatment did not help with my back pain, leg pain or headaches.

1

Patient Review

4/16/2014

Buprenex for Pain

I think this might be the worst drug ever. It's completely ruined my life.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about buprenex

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

What are the side effects of Buprenex?

"The following are rare but serious side effects of Buprenex: life-threatening respiratory depression, drowsiness, severe constipation, nausea, vertigo, and allergic reaction."

Answered by AI

What is Buprenex used for?

"The drug Buprenorphine is used to help relieve pain that is moderate to severe. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioids, which are drugs that work by changing how the brain and body respond to pain."

Answered by AI

Is Buprenex the same as Suboxone?

"Buprenorphine and Suboxone are not the same thing; Suboxone is a two-ingredient drug used to treat opioid dependence, while buprenorphine is an opioid agonist that can be used to treat either opioid dependence or moderate-to-severe pain. However, Suboxone is not used to treat pain."

Answered by AI

Can humans take Buprenex?

"Buprenex is a generic medication that is typically safe for humans to use if appropriately prescribed and administered by a health care provider."

Answered by AI