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What is Buprenorphine
BuprenorphineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryBuprenorphine 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
Buprenexis the brand name
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 1 uses which include Opioid Dependence .Opioid Dependence
Used to treat Opioid Dependence in combination with Naloxone
Effectiveness
How Buprenorphine Affects PatientsBuprenorphine 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 bodyBuprenorphine 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
Opioid Dependence
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, Patch, extended release, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Transdermal, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Patch, Patch - Transdermal, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Buccal, Film - Buccal, Film, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Solution, Solution - Subcutaneous, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, 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, Tablet - Sublingual, Patch, extended release, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Transdermal, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Patch, Patch - Transdermal, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Buccal, Film - Buccal, Film, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Solution, Solution - Subcutaneous, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, 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, Tablet - Sublingual, Patch, extended release, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Transdermal, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Patch, Patch - Transdermal, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Buccal, Film - Buccal, Film, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Pill, Solution, Solution - Subcutaneous, Buccal; Sublingual, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Solution, gel forming, extended release, Solution, gel forming, extended release - Subcutaneous
Warnings
Buprenorphine ContraindicationsCondition
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
Oral Mucositis
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
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 RiskSigns of an overdose from morphine include extremely small pupils, excessive drowsiness, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, death.
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
Opioid Dependence
14 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
Buprenorphine Reviews: What are patients saying about Buprenorphine?
2.3Patient Review
6/27/2022 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.
2.3Patient Review
9/28/2022 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.
1.7Patient Review
1/30/2022 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.
1.7Patient Review
2/19/2022 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.
1.3Patient Review
6/11/2022 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.
1.3Patient Review
11/1/2021 These patches have been more trouble than they're worth. They give me rashes and then fall off if I get sweaty or shower.
1Patient Review
1/20/2022 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.
1Patient Review
5/26/2022 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.
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