Buprenorphine

Pain, Opioid-Related Disorders, Pain

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

0 Active Studies for Buprenorphine

What is Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Buprenorphine is a drug used to treat severe pain and opioid addiction. It is sometimes sold under the brand name Suboxone, which is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone is intended to reduce the potential for abuse of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine works differently than other strong opioids, as it has a long duration of action and a “ceiling effect”, which means that the effects of the drug do not increase beyond a certain dose. This makes it safer than other opioids and reduces the risk of overdose. Buprenorph

Buprenex

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Buprenorphine 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 Buprenorphine Affects Patients

Buprenorphine is a painkiller that works by binding to the opioid mu-receptor in the brain and spinal cord. Common side effects include mood changes, drowsiness, and slowed breathing. Taking buprenorphine for too long can lead to physical dependence, which can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Buprenorphine can also lead to stomach issues, decreased hormones, adrenal insufficiency, liver problems, low blood pressure, and difficulty with consciousness. If buprenorphine is given to someone who is not opioid dependent, it can cause an overdose. To reduce the risk of side effects

How Buprenorphine works in the body

Buprenorphine is a drug that binds to opioid receptors in the brain. It is not as strong as other opioids, like heroin or methadone, so it won't create the same intense effects. This is helpful because it reduces the risk of overdose, but can also cause a quick, intense withdrawal if you're already dependent on opioids. Buprenorphine is sold under the brand name Suboxone. It comes in a combination with naloxone, a drug that blocks the effects of opioids if it's injected. This helps reduce the potential for abuse.

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended measure of Buprenorphine is based upon the diagnosed affliction, including Pain, Pain and Opioid Dependence. The dose changes in relation to the method of administration (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Sublingual) specified 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

Buprenorphine 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 Buprenorphine.

Common Buprenorphine 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.

Buprenorphine Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Signs of an overdose from morphine include extremely small pupils, excessive drowsiness, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, death.

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

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

There are 21 active trials examining the potential of Buprenorphine to treat Opioid Dependence, Pain and Painful Symptoms.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Pain

0 Actively Recruiting

Pain

0 Actively Recruiting

Opioid-Related Disorders

0 Actively Recruiting

Buprenorphine Reviews: What are patients saying about Buprenorphine?

2.3

Patient Review

6/27/2022

Buprenorphine for Chronic Pain

This treatment was ineffective for me. I tried it for a month and then told my physician's assistant that it wasn't working, but she said to give it another try. Three months later, I still hadn't seen any improvement so I stopped taking it. For the past 3 1/2 months, I've been in horrible pain and this medication did nothing to change that.

2.3

Patient Review

9/28/2022

Buprenorphine for Severe Pain

I was really disappointed with this treatment. I waited 3 months to get it, and when I finally did, the pain relief was lackluster at best. Worse still, I experienced a whole host of side effects like mental difficulties, forgetfulness, dizziness, unsteady legs, and gastrointestinal issues. Generic pain pills actually worked better for me without any of the nasty side effects.

1.7

Patient Review

1/30/2022

Buprenorphine for Severe Pain with Opioid Tolerance

I have been using the Butrans patch for at least a year, but my recent generic substitution for the Teva brand has left me bedridden and unable to do anything. I'm hoping that Monday will bring some clarity from my doctor.

1.7

Patient Review

2/19/2022

Buprenorphine for severe chronic pain requiring long-term opioid treatment

I was on fentanyl patches when I moved from one state to another. The doctors in my new state aren't "comfortable" with fentanyl and gave me buprenorphine patches. Total garbage. They don't relieve pain at all. They do however take away any energy I might have to do even the simplest chores. I actually feel better without them. They also don't stick for more than a couple days and irritate the skin underneath.

1.3

Patient Review

6/11/2022

Buprenorphine for Severe Pain

Though it was effective at first, this treatment stopped working after a few days. It also falls off if I get warm and is ridiculously expensive. To make matters worse, the manufacturer refused to give me a refund after I had an empty packet. Overall, I was very disappointed with this product and would not recommend it to others.

1.3

Patient Review

11/1/2021

Buprenorphine for Chronic Pain

These patches have been more trouble than they're worth. They give me rashes and then fall off if I get sweaty or shower.

1

Patient Review

1/20/2022

Buprenorphine for Severe Pain

This patch was really not effective for me. I actually found that it caused more pain than before I started using it. It also didn't stay on very well and the medication wore off quickly.

1

Patient Review

5/26/2022

Buprenorphine for Chronic Pain

Do not bother with these. I have serious back and neck injuries and was in a lot of pain before taking this medication. It did nothing to help me and has made me incredibly uncomfortable.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about buprenorphine

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

What class of drug is buprenorphine?

"Buprenorphine is a narcotic pain reliever that is classified as a schedule III drug. It was first marketed in the United States in 1985 as a schedule V drug. The only available product at that time was a low-dose (0.3 mg/ml) injectable formulation sold under the brand name Buprenex."

Answered by AI

What are the effects of buprenorphine?

"The most commonly reported side effects of buprenorphine are constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nausea. Other side effects include drug withdrawal, fatigue, vomiting, hyperhidrosis, and xerostomia."

Answered by AI

Is buprenorphine a good painkiller?

"Buprenorphine is a painkiller that is similar to opioids. It is used to treat severe pain, such as the pain experienced after an operation or an injury. It can also be used for other types of pain that a person has had for a long time, when weaker painkillers are no longer effective."

Answered by AI

Is buprenorphine the same thing as Suboxone?

"Buprenorphine is different from other opioids because it is a partial mu agonist. That means that it activates the mu receptor, but not as much as other opioids.

The partial agonist effect of buprenorphine is important because it blocks other opioids from binding to the mu receptor.

Buprenorphine prevents other opioids from binding to the mu receptor by "taking up" the receptor itself.

Buprenorphine, the active ingredient in Suboxone, is different from other opioids in a number of important ways. All opioids work on receptors in the brain called mu receptors. Buprenorphine is a partial mu agonist, which means that it activates the mu receptor, but not as much as other opioids. The partial agonist effect of buprenorphine is important because it blocks other opioids from binding to the mu receptor. Buprenorphine prevents other opioids from binding to the mu receptor by "taking up" the receptor itself."

Answered by AI