About buprenorphine + patch
Opioid pain medicine
Used for
- Long-term treatment of moderate to severe pain when other treatments are inadequate
Usual adult dose
Usually start with one 5 microgram/hour patch, changed every 7 days; adjust under medical supervision.
Common side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness or sleepiness
- Skin irritation at the patch site
Important warnings
- Can cause dependence, misuse, and potentially fatal breathing problems.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives unless specifically directed by a clinician.
- Heat, fever, or heating pads may increase absorption and overdose risk.
- Fold used patches sticky sides together and dispose of them securely.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; prolonged use near delivery may cause newborn withdrawal or breathing problems.
Breastfeeding
Buprenorphine passes into breast milk; use requires clinician review and monitoring for infant sleepiness or breathing problems.
Interactions
- Benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other sedatives increase severe breathing and sedation risks.
- Other opioids may increase side effects or cause withdrawal when buprenorphine is started.
- Some CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers can alter buprenorphine levels.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.