|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (byoo
pre NOR
feen) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Buprenex®;
Subutex® |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Analgesic, Narcotic |
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|
| What key warnings should I know
about before taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Subutex® is only used to treat drug addiction. Avoid
alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines, and natural
products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives,
tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and pain medicine. Serious
reactions may occur. |
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|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
Do not give the tablets to a child younger than 16 years of age.
If you have an allergy to buprenorphine or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you are breast-feeding. |
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to relieve pain.
This medicine is used to treat drug
addiction. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Buprenorphine binds to areas in the brain to decrease cravings and
withdrawal symptoms.
It binds to brain receptors, relieving pain. It decreases the feeling
of pain and a person's response to pain. |
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
Injection:
This medicine is given as a shot.
Follow instructions closely if you or a family member are giving the
shot at home.
Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to
healthcare provider when full.
Oral:
Place sublingual tablet on tongue and let
dissolve. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed
basis. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
All forms:
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities
until you see how this medicine affects you.
If you have gallbladder disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have mental illness, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have prostate disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have thyroid disease, talk with healthcare provider.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
Oral:
Wear disease medical alert
identification. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in
thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require
you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying
position. Be careful climbing.
Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing
diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about stool softener or
laxative. |
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Keep a diary of how well your pain is controlled.
Follow up with healthcare provider. |
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Severe dizziness or passing out.
Difficulty breathing.
Excessive perspiration.
Fast heartbeat.
Poor pain control.
Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Severe constipation.
Severe diarrhea.
Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
Feeling extremely tired or weak.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store at room temperature.
Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or
kitchen. |
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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