• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

BUPRENORPHINE (byoo pre NOR feen) is used to treat certain types of drug dependence.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• brain tumor
• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day
• head injury
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease such as asthma or COPD
• an unusual or allergic reaction to buprenorphine, naloxone, morphine, codeine, other medicines, lactose, mannitol, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

The medicine is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Several minutes will be needed to allow the tablet to fully dissolve. If your dose requires you to take more than 2 tablets at once, either place all the tablets at once under the tongue, or if you cannot fit more than 2 tablets comfortably, place 2 tablets at a time under the tongue. Either way, you should hold the tablets under the tongue until they completely dissolve. Do not swallow or chew the tablet. Do not inject the medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 16 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• butorphanol
• nalbuphine
• pentazocine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol or alcohol-containing medicine
• antibiotics like erythromycin and clarithromycin
• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• carbamazepine
• general anesthetics
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole
• medicines for pain
• medicines for sleep
• medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS like ritonavir, saquinavir, and indinavir
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• phenytoin
• rifampin or rifampicin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Last Updated: September 14, 2009