Buprenorphine Hydrochloride Sublingual tablet

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.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take.

Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say that you are taking this medicine. Emergency personnel will need to know that you are taking this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

You will likely have your blood checked before you start taking this medicine.

This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• anxiety, irritability, nervousness or restlessness
• breathing difficulties, wheezing
• cold, clammy skin or sweating
• confusion
• decrease or difficulty in passing urine
• diarrhea
• fainting spells
• severe stomach pain or vomiting
• yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes

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

• constipation
• headache
• insomnia
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (56 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.