Generic name: Buprenorphine transdermal (skin patch)
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Butrans?
Buprenorphine transdermal is an opioid pain medication that is used for around-the-clock treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain that is not controlled by other medicines. This medicine is not for use on an as-needed basis for pain.
Buprenorphine transdermal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use buprenorphine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- a severe breathing problem; or
- a blockage in your stomach or intestines.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- a head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;
- breathing problems, sleep apnea;
- alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness;
- urination problems;
- liver or kidney disease;
- heart rhythm problems, long QT syndrome; or
- problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid.
If you use buprenorphine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Do not breast-feed while using buprenorphine. This medicine can breathing problems or death in a nursing baby.
How should I use Butrans
Use Butrans (Transdermal) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use buprenorphine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away buprenorphine is against the law.
The skin patch is for use only on the skin. Do not apply near your eyes, nose, mouth, or lips.
If you touch the sticky side of a skin patch, wash the skin with clear water and seek medical care at once. Do not use a buprenorphine transdermal skin patch if it has been cut or damaged.
Never wear more than 1 patch at a time unless your doctor has told you to.
Do not wear a skin patch on a part of your body where a child could reach or remove the patch from your skin. Avoid allowing children to watch you put on a skin patch. Never tell a child that the buprenorphine skin patch is a "bandage."
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using buprenorphine.
Store unopened patches at room temperature. Keep track of how many skin patches have been used from each new package. Buprenorphine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
After removing a skin patch: fold it in half firmly with the sticky side in, and flush the patch down the toilet or use the Patch-Disposal Unit provided with this medication.
Keep both used and unused patches out of the reach of children or pets. Even the amount of buprenorphine in a used skin patch could be fatal to a child or pet who accidentally sucks or chews on the patch. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.
Do not keep leftover opioid medication. Just one dose can cause death in someone using this medicine accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a drug take-back disposal program. If there is no take-back program, dispose of any unused skin patches in the same folded manner. Do not flush the foil pouch or patch liners; place them in a trash container out of the reach of children and pets.
Remove the patch and apply a new one as soon as you remember. Do not wear extra patches to make up a missed dose.
Butrans side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Opioid medicine can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should give naloxone and/or seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
Stop using buprenorphine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- weak or shallow breathing, deep sighs, snoring that is new or unusual;
- breathing that stops during sleep;
- chest pain, fast heart rate, seizure (convulsions);
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- blisters, swelling, or severe irritation where the patch was worn;
- adrenal gland problems--nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, feeling weak or tired; or
- liver problems--upper stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those who are overweight, malnourished, or debilitated.
Common side effects may include:
- constipation, nausea, vomiting;
- headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness; or
- redness, itching, or rash where the patch was worn.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Butrans?
Avoid sources of heat while wearing the patch. Tell your doctor if you have a fever. Do not use a heating pad or electric blanket, tanning bed or sauna. Avoid sunlight, hot bath water, and vigorous activity. Heat can increase the amount of drug you absorb through your skin and may cause an overdose or death.
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.