What is Butrans
BuprenorphineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryBuprenorphine is a medication used to treat severe pain and opioid addiction. It is sold under the brand name Suboxone, in combination with naloxone, a drug that helps reduce the risk of abuse. Buprenorphine binds to opioid receptors in the body and has a long-lasting effect, providing relief from pain and withdrawal symptoms for up to 36 hours. It has fewer side effects and a lower risk of overdose than other potent opioids. Buprenorphine is used in opioid agonist treatment (OAT) or opioid substitution therapy (OST), which is used to reduce cravings and drug-
Buprenexis the brand name
Butrans 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 Psychosocial Treatment and Opioid Dependence .Psychosocial Treatment
Used to treat Psychosocial Treatment in combination with Naloxone
Opioid Dependence
Used to treat Opioid Dependence in combination with Naloxone
Effectiveness
How Butrans Affects PatientsBuprenorphine interacts with the opioid mu-receptor in the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues, causing pain relief, sedation, and changes in mood. It can also slow down the respiratory system and cause constipation. Taking this drug for a long time can affect the hormones in the body, leading to lower sex drive or fertility issues. Buprenorphine can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped too quickly. It can also lead to adrenal insufficiency, hepatitis, low blood pressure, and increased pressure in the brain or bile duct. Patients should be aware of potential side effects such as constipation,
How Butrans works in the bodyBuprenorphine is a drug that binds to the mu-opioid receptor in the brain. It has a strong binding affinity, which means it sticks to the receptor well, but it has low activity which means it doesn't activate it very much. This reduces the risk of overdose and other side effects like sedation and euphoria, and also helps to reduce the reinforcing effects of opioids that can lead to drug-seeking behaviors. When taken by someone who is already dependent on opioids, buprenorphine can cause a rapid and intense onset of withdrawal symptoms, known as "precipitated withdrawal". To prevent this
When to interrupt dosage
The recommended dosage of Butrans is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder, including Pain, Pain and Opioid Dependence. The magnitude of dosage relies on the method of delivery (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Sublingual) outlined in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Pain
16.0 mg, 0.0075 mg/hour, , 0.324 mg/mL, 0.45 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.3 mg/mL, 0.9 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.005 mg/hour, 0.01 mg/hour, 8.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 12.0 mg, 0.0025 mg/hour, 0.015 mg/hour, 11.4 mg, 4.0 mg, 1.4 mg, 5.7 mg, 8.6 mg, 0.7 mg, 2.9 mg, 24.0 mg, 0.02 mg/hour, 15.0 mg/hour, 300.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/hour, 7.5 mg/hour, 1000.0 mg/mL, 32.0 mg, 5.0 mg/hour, 20.0 mg/hour, 74.2 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.2 mg, 2.1 mg, 100.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 6.3 mg, 300.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 64.0 mg, 128.0 mg, 96.0 mg
Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, , Patch, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Solution, gel forming, extended release - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, Implant - Subcutaneous, Patch, extended release, Injection, solution, Film, soluble - Buccal, Oral, Buccal, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Implant, Injection, Buccal; Sublingual, Solution, gel forming, extended release, Pill, Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution
Opioid Dependence
16.0 mg, 0.0075 mg/hour, , 0.324 mg/mL, 0.45 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.3 mg/mL, 0.9 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.005 mg/hour, 0.01 mg/hour, 8.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 12.0 mg, 0.0025 mg/hour, 0.015 mg/hour, 11.4 mg, 4.0 mg, 1.4 mg, 5.7 mg, 8.6 mg, 0.7 mg, 2.9 mg, 24.0 mg, 0.02 mg/hour, 15.0 mg/hour, 300.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/hour, 7.5 mg/hour, 1000.0 mg/mL, 32.0 mg, 5.0 mg/hour, 20.0 mg/hour, 74.2 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.2 mg, 2.1 mg, 100.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 6.3 mg, 300.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 64.0 mg, 128.0 mg, 96.0 mg
Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, , Patch, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Solution, gel forming, extended release - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, Implant - Subcutaneous, Patch, extended release, Injection, solution, Film, soluble - Buccal, Oral, Buccal, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Implant, Injection, Buccal; Sublingual, Solution, gel forming, extended release, Pill, Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution
Pain
16.0 mg, 0.0075 mg/hour, , 0.324 mg/mL, 0.45 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.3 mg/mL, 0.9 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.005 mg/hour, 0.01 mg/hour, 8.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 12.0 mg, 0.0025 mg/hour, 0.015 mg/hour, 11.4 mg, 4.0 mg, 1.4 mg, 5.7 mg, 8.6 mg, 0.7 mg, 2.9 mg, 24.0 mg, 0.02 mg/hour, 15.0 mg/hour, 300.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/hour, 7.5 mg/hour, 1000.0 mg/mL, 32.0 mg, 5.0 mg/hour, 20.0 mg/hour, 74.2 mg, 80.0 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, 4.2 mg, 2.1 mg, 100.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 6.3 mg, 300.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 64.0 mg, 128.0 mg, 96.0 mg
Tablet - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet, Film, soluble - Buccal; Sublingual, , Patch, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Film - Buccal, Pill - Sublingual, Solution, gel forming, extended release - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Film, Implant - Subcutaneous, Patch, extended release, Injection, solution, Film, soluble - Buccal, Oral, Buccal, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Sublingual, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, extended release - Transdermal, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Film - Buccal; Sublingual, Implant, Injection, Buccal; Sublingual, Solution, gel forming, extended release, Pill, Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution
Warnings
Butrans ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Gastrointestinal obstruction
Do Not Combine
opioid naive
Do Not Combine
Head
Do Not Combine
ethanol
Do Not Combine
Myasthenia Gravis
Do Not Combine
Epilepsy
Do Not Combine
Oral Mucositis
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
suspected gastrointestinal obstruction
Do Not Combine
Severe Hepatic Impairment
Do Not Combine
Long QT Syndrome
Do Not Combine
Hypomagnesemia
Do Not Combine
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Do Not Combine
Hypokalemia
Do Not Combine
Hypocalcemia
Do Not Combine
Asthma
Do Not Combine
Abdomen
Do Not Combine
severe CNS depression
Do Not Combine
Asthma
Do Not Combine
Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium
Do Not Combine
Mental Depression
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Buprenorphine may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Butrans 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.
Butrans Toxicity & Overdose RiskSigns of an overdose on opioids include very small pupils, excessive sleepiness, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, death.
Butrans Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Butrans?
21 active clinical trials are currently in progress to determine the potential of Butrans for managing Opioid Dependence, Pain and related Ailments.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
Opioid Dependence
13 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Butrans Reviews: What are patients saying about Butrans?
5Patient Review
2/25/2021 I was taking Morphine for 6 years and couldn't get my levels below 7. I am on the Butrans 10mcg now and my pain levels have been the lowest they have been in years. My pain management doctor told me I do need to increase the dosage because it isn't being effective for the full 7 days, but that's better than before. Overall, I am pleased with it. The side effects I have are weight loss, chills and headaches.
5Patient Review
7/28/2022 This treatment, combining medication and nerve blocks, has drastically improved my quality of life. I was taking large doses of painkillers for over 10 years, but they stopped being effective. Now I'm on a much lower dose of morphine and it's helped me lose 45lbs and walk 2km - things I could never do before.
5Patient Review
7/18/2022 This is the only patch that has worked for me. I've tried morphine and Percocet in the past, but this is by far the most effective treatment. It does make me a little sleepy, but it's worth it for the pain relief.
5Patient Review
6/28/2022 This medication completely removed my pain without making me feel drugged.
4.7Patient Review
6/29/2020 Tramadol didn't help me much, even at high doses. Butrans, however, has been a game changer. I saw relief after just a few days and my pain is now manageable.
4Patient Review
2/6/2020 I am a disabled veteran with total spine injury and I also suffer from painful Polymyalgia Rheumatica. I was on Hydrocodone and Morphine for pain and PTSD. The Butrans patch works great but in my case it is only affective for 5 days and I go into withdrawals 2 days before the next replacement. I no longer take either Hydrocodone or Morphine I only use 15 mcg of Butrans patch. HELP!
3Patient Review
9/12/2022 This medication really helped with the pain, but it also caused me to be too relaxed during surgery because it was mixed with anesthesia. After that, I had a severe depression, anxiety, and isolation. Even now, five months after being off the medication, I'm still experiencing negative effects from it.
2.7Patient Review
12/21/2021 I was on a 10 mcl dosage and tried to increase it to 15, but the first week was unbearable. I tapered down to just 1 1/2 norco a day and was doing much better until the pain increased again. Now I'm up to 6 per day and neither my pain management nor my doctor think this medication is helping anymore. I sometimes wish my left leg wasn't there because of how much pain I'm in. This drug has also made it worse for me to sleep and given me mouth dryness.
2.3Patient Review
7/19/2020 I've tried both the 5 mcg and 7.5 mcg doses of this medication, and I haven't found it to be effective in reducing my pain levels at all. In fact, I get more relief from taking oral pain medications. Definitely would not recommend this to others.
2.3Patient Review
7/2/2021 I started with the 5mcg dose but have since moved up to 15mcg. I really despise these things- they did nothing for me whatsoever. Oxycodone provides much more relief than this patch does. In my opinion, it feels like a complete waste of time to use the patches.
2Patient Review
6/13/2021 I did not find this treatment helpful at all. In fact, it made my pain worse and I developed hives from the patch.
1.7Patient Review
6/14/2022 I was really disappointed with this treatment. I was prescribed it after surgery, and it just didn't work for me at all.
1.3Patient Review
2/26/2020 I experienced a whole host of problems while using this patch: dry mouth, skin irritation, difficulty sleeping, and no pain relief. I also noticed weight gain; has anyone else had this issue? Overall, I would not recommend this product.
1Patient Review
3/9/2020 This medication did nothing to ease my pain, despite supposedly working synergistically with the oral morphine sulfate I take. If anything, I felt less relief than when taking the morphine alone.
1Patient Review
9/23/2022 I found this treatment to be completely ineffective.
Patient Q&A Section about butrans
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is Butrans the same as Suboxone?
"Both Buprenorphine (Butrans) and Suboxone contain the same active ingredient, buprenorphine. Buprenorphine (Butrans) is a patch that is used to treat pain, while Suboxone is a medication that is placed under the tongue to treat opioid dependence."
Answered by AI
Is Butrans the same as tramadol?
"The medication Ultram (tramadol) is effective for treating pain. Although it is not as strong as some other opioids, it can still be habit-forming. The medication Butrans (buprenorphine) comes in a patch that only needs to be replaced once a week. Butrans (buprenorphine) provides around-the-clock relief from pain."
Answered by AI
How does Butrans make you feel?
"Buprenorphine is a partial agonist of mu opioid receptors, so it can produce similar effects to full mu-agonists, like sedation, euphoria, and respiratory depression. However, this is more likely to happen at higher doses of buprenorphine, like those delivered by Butrans."
Answered by AI
What is Butrans prescribed for?
"The BuTrans patch contains the active ingredient buprenorphine, which is a strong analgesic. These patches have been prescribed by your doctor to relieve moderate, long-lasting pain."
Answered by AI