Buprenorphine

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.