Buprenorphine

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
	Sovenor, buprenorphine

Buprenorphine - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Buprenorphine cause?

Common side effects include gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, dry mouth and nausea and vomiting, abdominal discomfort and weight loss.
Itchiness and skin irritation.
Altered mood, altered sleep and headaches.
Sleepiness, confusion and dizziness. If affected do not drive, operate machinery or perform tasks which require mental alertness.
This medication has the potential to cause addiction. If you experience difficulty stopping this medication when it is no longer required, please consult your healthcare professional.

Rare but serious side effects include:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

This medication may depress your breathing. Seek immediate medication attention should you experience breathing difficulty including shallow or slow breathing.

Before taking Buprenorphine , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication. This includes a history of allergy to other related drugs including other opioids such as oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl and codeine.
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
If you have a fever, the effect of this medication may be increased. Inform your healthcare professional if you have or develop fever while using this medication.
You suffer from diseases affecting your breathing including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or if you suffer from myasthenia gravis.