Buprenex

Pronunciation: byoo-pre-NOR-feen
Generic Name: Buprenorphine
Brand Name: Buprenex

Buprenex is used for:

Treating moderate to severe pain.

Buprenex is a narcotic analgesic. It works by working in the brain and nervous system to decrease pain.

Do NOT use Buprenex if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Buprenex


• you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Buprenex:

Some medical conditions may interact with Buprenex. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have a history of blood or electrolyte problems, breathing or lung problems (eg, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), underactive thyroid, adrenal gland problems (eg, Addison disease), liver or kidney problems, an enlarged prostate gland, trouble urinating, a blockage of your bladder or urethra, gallbladder problems, or stomach problems


• if you have a history of recent head injury, growths in the brain (eg, tumor), or increased pressure in the brain, or muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis)


• if you have a history of mental or mood problems, drug or alcohol abuse, or if you have a physical dependence on narcotic medicines (eg, morphine) or other opiates (eg, heroin)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Buprenex. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), or macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin) because the side effects of Buprenex may be increased


• Benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam), cimetidine, narcotic pain medicine (eg, codeine), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), or sodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of severe drowsiness, severe breathing problems, and seizures may be increased


• Naltrexone or rifampin because the effectiveness of Buprenex may be decreased


• Methadone because effectiveness may be decreased by Buprenex

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Buprenex may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Buprenex:

Use Buprenex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Buprenex is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Buprenex at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.


• If Buprenex contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.


• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.


• If you miss a dose of Buprenex, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Buprenex.

Important safety information:

• Buprenex may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Buprenex. Using Buprenex alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.


• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that cause drowsiness (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking Buprenex. Buprenex will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.


• Buprenex may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.


• Buprenex may cause withdrawal symptoms if you have a physical dependence on narcotic medicines (eg, morphine) or other opiates (eg, heroin). Talk with your doctor if you are dependent on narcotic medicines or other opiates.


• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Buprenex.


• LAB TESTS, including liver function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Use Buprenex with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially decreased breathing and drowsiness.


• Use Buprenex with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 2 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Buprenex, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Buprenex during pregnancy. Buprenex is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Buprenex.

When used for long periods of time or at high doses, some people develop a need to continue taking Buprenex. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction.

If you suddenly stop taking Buprenex, you may experience WITHDRAWAL symptoms including anxiety; diarrhea; fever, runny nose, or sneezing; goose bumps and abnormal skin sensations; nausea; vomiting; pain; rigid muscles; rapid heartbeat; seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there; shivering or tremors; sweating; and trouble sleeping.

Possible side effects of Buprenex:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; sweating; vomiting;

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); anxiety or nervousness; dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes (eg, depression); pale stools; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; slow or shallow breathing; unusual weakness; vision changes; yellowing of eyes or skin.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Buprenex side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include excessive drowsiness; severe dizziness; very slow and shallow breathing; very small pupils.

Proper storage of Buprenex:

Buprenex is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Buprenex at home, store Buprenex as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Buprenex, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Buprenex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Buprenex. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Buprenex resources

• Buprenex Side Effects (in more detail)
• Buprenex Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Buprenex Drug Interactions
• Buprenex Support Group
• 2 Reviews for Buprenex - Add your own review/rating

• Buprenex Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Buprenex Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Buprenorphine Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)


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• Subutex Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

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