Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Butrans

Canadian Brand Name

  1. BAR-Buprenorphine
  2. Butrans 10
  3. Butrans 15
  4. Butrans 20
  5. Butrans 5

Descriptions


Buprenorphine skin patch is used to treat severe and persistent pain that requires an extended treatment period and when other pain medicines did not work well enough or cannot be tolerated. It belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). Buprenorphine acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.

The buprenorphine skin patch should not be used if you need pain medicine for just a short time, such as after surgery. Do not use this medicine for mild pain or pain that you only have once in a while or "as needed."

When a narcotic medicine is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve the pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. Severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Patch, Extended Release

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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