What is Buprenorphine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Buprenorphine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time.

• Buccal film: Do not place a film on an area of the mouth that has sores or lesions.Use your tongue to wet the side of your cheek or rinse your mouth with water.Place the yellow side of the film against the inside of your cheek.Press down on the film and hold it in place with clean, dry fingers for 5 seconds.Leave the film in place until it dissolves. Do not touch or move the it. Do not chew or swallow the film.Do not eat or drink anything until the film is completely dissolved, which is usually within 30 minutes.Do not use a film that is cut, torn, or damaged.

• Place the sublingual tablet under your tongue until it dissolves. Do not chew or swallow it.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Buccal film: Do not place a film on an area of the mouth that has sores or lesions.Use your tongue to wet the side of your cheek or rinse your mouth with water.Place the yellow side of the film against the inside of your cheek.Press down on the film and hold it in place with clean, dry fingers for 5 seconds.Leave the film in place until it dissolves. Do not touch or move the it. Do not chew or swallow the film.Do not eat or drink anything until the film is completely dissolved, which is usually within 30 minutes.Do not use a film that is cut, torn, or damaged.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Place the sublingual tablet under your tongue until it dissolves. Do not chew or swallow it.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

What to do if you miss a dose of Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to buprenorphine, or if you have severe lung or breathing problems or stomach blockage (including paralytic ileus).

Buprenorphine warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, an adrenal gland problem, an enlarged prostate, gallbladder problems, lung or breathing problems (including COPD, sleep apnea), mouth sores or ulcers, pancreas problems, trouble urinating, an underactive thyroid, or mental health problems (including depression). Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, a slow heartbeat, or a history of heart rhythm problems (including long QT syndrome). Tell your doctor if you have ever had a head injury, brain tumor, seizures, stroke, or alcohol or drug abuse.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:High risk of overdose, which can lead to deathRespiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)Sleep-related breathing problems (including sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoxemia)QT prolongation (heart rhythm problem)Liver problemsSerotonin syndrome, when used with certain medicines

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.

• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Buprenorphine interactions

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are also using butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, a benzodiazepine, or a muscle relaxer.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.

• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Some medicines can affect how buprenorphine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Carbamazepine, cyclobenzaprine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, metaxalone, mirtazapine, phenytoin, rifampin, tramadol, trazodoneDiuretic (water pill)HIV or AIDS medicine (including atazanavir, delavirdine, efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine, ritonavir)Medicine to treat anxiety, mental health, or depression, including an MAO inhibitorMedicine to treat heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)Phenothiazine medicineTranquilizer or benzodiazepine medicine (including alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam)Triptan or medicine to treat migraine headaches

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.