Buprenorphine (patch and film for pain)

Overview

Buprenorphine with naloxone (Suboxone) is used for opioid use disorder.

What it's used for

• Severe long-lasting pain

How to take it

• Patch: apply to clean skin and change every 7 days; avoid heat on the patch.
• Film: stick to the inside of the cheek.
• Keep naloxone (Narcan) at home and show family where it is. It can reverse an opioid overdose.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Skin irritation (patch)
• Constipation

Warnings

• Boxed warnings: addiction, slowed breathing, and accidental exposure.
• It can affect heart rhythm, especially with other medicines that do the same.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

• Taking it with alcohol, benzodiazepines (like alprazolam or lorazepam), sleep medicines, gabapentin, or other opioids can slow breathing and cause death.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

• Chronic low back pain