Buprenorphine injection

What is Buprenorphine injection?
BUPRENORPHINE (Buprenexreg;) is used to treat moderate to severe pain, usually during or after surgery. Generic buprenorphine injection is available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Buprenorphine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• abnormal bladder function, difficulty urinating
• constipation
• enlarged prostate
• gallbladder disease
• if you frequently have alcohol-containing drinks
• intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease, such as asthma or COPD
• an unusual reaction to buprenorphine, morphine, codeine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?
Buprenorphine injection is usually given as injection into your vein or large muscle by a trained healthcare professional.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. You will receive doses of buprenorphine from your health care professional as you need them for pain.

What drug(s) may interact with Buprenorphine?

• amiodarone
• bosentan
• butorphanol
• clarithromycin
• entacapone
• erythromycin
• fluoxetine
• fluvoxamine
• levomethadyl
• medicines for fungal infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• medicines for seizures
• methadone
• mifepristone, RU-486
• nalbuphine
• naltrexone
• nefazodone
• pentazocine
• rifampin
• some medicines for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS
• St. John’s wort

Because buprenorphine can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of buprenorphine. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:

• alcohol-containing medicines
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
• certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
• muscle relaxants
• other strong pain medicines such as morphine, propoxyphene, hydrocodone

Ask your prescriber or health care professional about other medicines that may increase the effect of buprenorphine.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Buprenorphine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• breathing difficulties
• cold, clammy skin
• confusion
• a decrease or difficulty in passing urine
• hives, itching
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• nervousness or restlessness
• rash
• swelling of ankles
• unusually slow breathing
• yellow skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• anxiety
• blurred vision or any change in vision
• confusion
• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• insomnia
• nausea
• sweating
• vomiting

What should I watch for while taking Buprenorphine?
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how buprenorphine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly; this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking buprenorphine for a couple of days.

Be careful taking other medicines that may also make you tired. This effect may be worse when taking other medicines that cause drowsiness along with buprenorphine. Alcohol can also increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Avoid alcohol while taking buprenorphine.

Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply. You will not be given buprenorphine injection to use at home.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.