Buprenorphine

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Opioid	Sovenor	Adult

Buprenorphine - What is it for

Buprenorphine patch is a strong "painkiller" and belongs to the group of drugs known as opioids. It is used to relieve moderate to severe pain including chronic musculoskeletal pain of the joints and lower back.

Buprenorphine - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Buprenorphine cause?

Common side effects: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or discomfort, dry mouth, itching or redness at the application site, flushing of the skin.
Serious side effects: Difficulty in breathing, low blood pressure.

In case you experience any sudden wheeziness, difficulties in breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching, remove the patch and tell your doctor immediately.

May impair your ability to drive and operative machinery, if affected do not drive or operate machinery while using the patch and for at least 24 hours after the patch has been removed.

Before taking Buprenorphine , what precautions must I follow?

If you are pregnant, become pregnant or intend to breast feed while using the patch please consult your doctor for advice first.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Buprenorphine ?

Avoid alcohol while using the patch

Buprenorphine - Dosage and How to Use

How should Buprenorphine be used?

Buprenorphine patch should be used as prescribed by the doctor. The usual dose is one patch once a week, changed at the same day per week.

Buprenorphine patch should be:

Applied to upper arm, upper chest, upper back, or sides of the chest which are relatively hairless. If necessary, the hair at the site should be clipped, not shaven. Avoid skin which is red, irritated or has any other blemishes, for instance large scars.

Application site must be cleaned with clean water only. Soaps, alcohol, oils, lotions, or rubbing devices should not be used. Ensure that the skin is completely dry before applying the patch.
Open the pouch just before applying the patch. Carefully peel off half the foil. Avoid touching the sticky part of the patch.

Attach the patch to the site and remove the remaining foil.
Press the patch with your hand for approximately 30 seconds to ensure that the whole patch is in contact with your skin.

Buprenorphine Patch
should be worn continuously for 7 days. If the edges of the patch begin to peel off, the edges may be taped down with suitable skin tape. If the patch falls off, a new one should be applied. Bathing, showering, or swimming should not affect the patch.

Avoid exposing the application site to direct external heat sources as this may lead to an undesirably greater effect of the medication which may lead to side effects.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Stick a new patch on as soon as you remember. Take note of the date and time, as your usual day of changing may now be different. Do not apply additional patches to make up for the missed application. Do not stop treatment without consulting a doctor.

If you feel agitated, anxious, and shaky or have difficulty sleeping after stopping the medication, tell your doctor. Do not start another strong painkiller within 24 hours after removal of the patch without consultation with your doctor as there is a residual pain relieving effect of the patch.

What should I do if I overdose?

Buprenorphine - Handling

How should I handle Buprenorphine safely?

Buprenorphine - Storage

How should I store Buprenorphine ?

;#Keep away from children;#

How should I dispose of Buprenorphine safely?

Take the old patch off and fold it in half with the sticky side inwards.
Dispose the used patch in a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the garbage.
Handle used patches with care; used patches may still contain medication that may cause harm.
Stick a new patch on a different appropriate skin site. Do not apply to the same site for 3-4 weeks.
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.