Buprenorphine is a painkiller which was approved for its medical use in July 2010.

Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch has been developed to treat opioid addiction and indicated for moderate, long-lasting pain that requires strong painkiller.

Buprenorphine is available as a transdermal patch in the concentrations 5mcg, 10mcg and 20mcg. The dosage will be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition. Use this patch exactly as recommended by your healthcare provider. Do not cut or divide them. Do not use more than one transdermal patch at a time. Apply this patch on a clean, dry and hair less part of your skin. Do not use it on areas with redness or scars.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch are headache, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, itchy skin, inflammation at the site of patch application, loss of appetite, confusion, depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, shaking, stomach pain, indigestion, sweating, dry mouth, skin eruption, tiredness, weakness, swelling of ankles, hands or feet. Serious side effects of Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch include breathing trouble and low blood pressure. If you experience symptoms such as breathing difficulty, rashes, itching, wheezing, report to your doctor immediately.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, fever, or any other discomfort while on treatment with Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch. During the Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood cell counts, electrolytes and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of smoking, alcohol addiction, constipation, head injury, sleep disorders, seizures, fits, convulsions, asthma, mood disorders, heart failure or liver problem. Do not use Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch if you are having high body temperature or if you are below 18 years of age.

It is not recommended to use Buprenorphine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is advisable to tell your healthcare provider before starting treatment with Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby.

Buprenorphine can make you feel dizzy and tired. Hence, you should avoid driving or handling machines while on this treatment. 

1. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jun 2022] [Accessed on 26th Oct 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9798.pdf
2. Rachna Kumar, Omar Viswanath, Abdolreza Saadabadi, Buprenorphine, StatPearls [Internet], [Revised on May 2022] [Accessed on 26th Oct 2022], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459126/#:~:text=Go%20to%3A-,Mechanism%20of%20Action,central%20nervous%20system%20(CNS).

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.