Type of medicine: partial narcotic agonist; analgesic
Generic and brand names: buprenorphine, transdermal; Butrans
This medicine is a skin patch that is put on the skin to treat chronic (long-term) pain that continues around the clock.
This medicine is NOT used for mild pain, pain that you have once in a while, or pain that is expected to last a short time (such as after surgery).
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Do not take this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with 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. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or for a longer period of time than directed by your healthcare provider. Taking too much of this medicine may cause very serious side effects.
Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may need to reduce your dosage gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill.
These patches come in several different strengths. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the correct strength for you. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Do not use more patches or use them longer than directed by your healthcare provider because this medicine may be habit-forming. Do not stop using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dose slowly before stopping the medicine.
When you first apply the patch, you may need to take other pain medicine, especially in the first 24 hours. Each patch is worn for 7 days in a row. Replace the patch after 7 days with a new patch. Put the new patch on a different site each week and wait at least 3 weeks before you use the same site again.
Do not use a patch if the seal is broken, or if it is cut or damaged in any way.
Wash your hands before using this medicine. Clip away hair (do not shave) before applying the patch. Use only water (no soap, oil, or alcohol) to clean the area where you put the patch. Allow the skin to dry completely before putting on the patch. Do not put any other medicine, cream, or lotion on the skin where you put the patch. Put the sticky side of the patch containing the medicine on a flat surface of the upper body, such as the upper outer arms, upper chest, upper back or the side of the chest.
Do not put the patch on skin that is broken or irritated. Do not use a heating pad, electric blanket, heat lamp, hot tub, or other direct heat where you apply the patch. These may increase the amount of medicine released from the patch and could result in an overdose.
Use only water to wash your skin where you used this medicine. Do not use soap, rubbing alcohol, or other products to wash the area under or around the patch.
To dispose of a used patch, fold it so that it sticks to itself with the medicine inside. Then dispose of it safely away from children and pets.
If you forget to wear or change the patch, put one on as soon as you remember. Do not put on extra patches to make up for a missed dose. If the patch falls off, put a new patch on clean, dry skin. If you are not sure of what to do, 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: slow or shallow breathing, slow or irregular heartbeat, seizures, dizziness, weakness, coma, confusion, extreme sleepiness, fainting, cold clammy skin, pinpoint pupils.
This drug is a controlled substance. It is illegal for you to give it to anyone else. Only healthcare providers experienced with this drug should prescribe it.
This is a very strong medicine used only to control severe pain. This medicine may be habit-forming. Take it exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more of it or take it more often than directed. Taking too much of this medicine will increase the chances of side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if your pain does not improve in a few days or if it gets worse.
Call your healthcare provider right away or get emergency medical help if you:
This medicine is very strong and may be fatal to children. Be very careful to keep patches out of reach of children.
If you develop a fever, swelling, redness, burning, or blisters at the application site, contact your healthcare provider.
This medicine is very strong and may be fatal to children. Be very careful to keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Your healthcare provider will want to check you regularly while you are receiving this medicine. You may need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments.
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.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
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.
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 cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, light-colored bowel movements, unexplained loss of appetite, severe confusion, severe stomach pain, severe nausea or vomiting, slow or shallow breathing, unusual changes in breathing, new or unusual snoring, severe dizziness or drowsiness, problems walking or talking, seizures; chest pain, irregular or slow heartbeat; fainting, severe rash, swelling, or blisters around the patch site.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, headache, constipation, mild drowsiness or dizziness, dry mouth, sweating, trouble sleeping; itching or redness at the patch 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.
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 medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
