Buprenorphine oral / sublingual

Buprenorphine is an opioid medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.

Buprenorphine oral (sublingual, given under the tongue) is used to treat narcotic addiction. Buprenorphine sublingual tablets are not for use as a pain medication.

Buprenorphine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Buprenorphine sublingual tablets are not for use as a pain medication.

Buprenorphine can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. Use only your prescribed dose. Never share buprenorphine with another person.

MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Buprenorphine may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Buprenorphine can slow or stop your breathing. Never use buprenorphine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

Buprenorphine sublingual is usually taken for only 1 or 2 days at the start of treatment for addiction. Most people are later switched to another medicine called buprenorphine/naloxone (Bunavail, Suboxone, Zubsolv).

You may receive your first doses of buprenorphine sublingual in a hospital or clinic setting until your condition improves.

Buprenorphine may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Selling or giving away buprenorphine is against the law.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Use dry hands when handling the tablet. Place the tablet under your tongue and allow it to dissolve with your mouth closed. Do not chew the tablet or swallow it whole.

If your doctor has prescribed more than 2 tablets per dose, place the correct number of tablets under your tongue at the same time and allow them to dissolve completely.

Do not eat or drink anything until the tablet or film has completely dissolved in your mouth.

While using buprenorphine, you may need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using buprenorphine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take buprenorphine. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you are being treated for narcotic addiction. Make sure your family members know you are using buprenorphine in case they need to speak for you during an emergency.

Do not stop using buprenorphine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Buprenorphine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Do not keep leftover buprenorphine pills. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a drug take-back disposal program. If there is no take-back program, flush any unused pills down the toilet

Never crush or break a buprenorphine pill or mix it into a liquid to inject the drug into your vein. This could result in a life-threatening infection or other serious medical problems.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A buprenorphine overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness or weakness, cold or clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, fainting, slow heart rate, weak pulse, weak or shallow breathing (breathing may stop).

Narcotic (opioid) medication can interact with many other drugs and cause dangerous side effects or death. Be sure your doctor knows if you also use:

• other narcotic medications--opioid pain medicine or prescription cough medicine;

• drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing--a sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, sedative, tranquilizer, or antipsychotic medicine; or

• drugs that affect serotonin levels in your body--medicine for depression, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with buprenorphine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.