About buprenorphine
Long-acting opioid partial agonist
Used for
- Maintenance treatment for opioid dependence as part of a supervised treatment plan.
Usual adult dose
Given by a healthcare professional once monthly; dose is individualized after stabilization on buprenorphine.
Common side effects
- Injection-site pain, itching, or swelling
- Headache, nausea, constipation, or vomiting
- Drowsiness, dizziness, or sweating
- Withdrawal symptoms or breathing problems
Important warnings
- Can cause life-threatening breathing suppression, especially with alcohol, sedatives, or other opioids.
- Risk of misuse, dependence, and withdrawal; do not stop suddenly without medical supervision.
- Seek urgent help for severe sleepiness, slow breathing, or inability to wake.
- Only for injection by trained healthcare professionals; not for self-administration.
Pregnancy
Use only when clinically needed after weighing benefits and risks; newborn withdrawal may occur after opioid exposure.
Breastfeeding
Buprenorphine enters breast milk. Discuss risks and benefits with a clinician; monitor the infant for unusual sleepiness or breathing problems.
Interactions
- Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives increase severe sedation and breathing risks.
- Other opioids may increase sedation or cause withdrawal when treatment starts.
- Some antifungals, antibiotics, and HIV medicines can alter buprenorphine effects.
- Rifampicin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin may reduce its effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.