Type of medicine: narcotic analgesic (painkiller)
Generic and brand names: buprenorphine, injection; Buprenex
This medicine is a narcotic analgesic. It may be given by injection (shot) or by infusion to relieve pain. It may also be used for anesthesia during surgery or labor.
It is given by injection (shot) to relieve pain and to treat narcotic addiction.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider if you have taken an MAO inhibitor antidepressant within the past 2 weeks.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Use it only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Do not use more of it or use it longer than prescribed. Using too much of this medicine may be habit-forming or may lead to overdose.
You may be able to give yourself these shots or have someone at home give them to you. Be sure you know how and when to have them and how much medicine to use. Your healthcare provider will determine the exact dosage of the medicine.
Use the syringes and needles ONLY ONCE. Throw them away after use. Put used needles in rigid puncture-resistant containers with lids or caps, such as heavy plastic bleach bottles with screw caps. DO NOT throw needles directly into garbage cans or dumpsters.
If you are not sure of how to give yourself the shots, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.
Do not use the medicine if it is discolored or has particles in it.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, confusion, cold clammy skin, shallow breathing, fainting, breathing that stops, slow heartbeat.
You may need to take this medicine for a long time. If you need to take this medicine for more than a few days, do not stop taking it suddenly. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
This medicine is a controlled substance. It is illegal for you to give it to anyone else.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may lessen this effect. Also, drinking alcohol may increase this effect.
Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in a few days or if it gets worse.
This medicine may make you constipated. You may need to take a laxative or stool softener while taking this medicine. Talk with healthcare provider or pharmacist about this.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects from this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Important notice: Taking an overdose of this medicine can cause very serious problems. If you think you have taken an overdose, get medical care right away.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing, swelling of your lips, tongue or throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Seizures, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), severe muscle weakness, decreased urination, trembling, fast or irregular heartbeat, sudden fainting, slow breathing or shortness of breath, confusion, pinpoint pupils of the eyes, blurred vision.
Other: Dizziness; drowsiness; lightheadedness; nausea; vomiting; constipation; itching; headache; dry mouth; sweating; loss of appetite; change in sexual desire or ability; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. Grapefruit affects the way this medicine works and may increase the risk of side effects.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
