Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your provider ordered. This is especially important for elderly patients, who may be more sensitive to the effects of pain medicines. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

It is very important that you understand the rules of the Opioid Analgesic REMS program to prevent opioid use disorder. This medicine should also come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.

To use the buccal film:

  • Be careful not to cut or damage the film when opening the package.
  • Do not place the medicine on areas of the mouth with sores or lesions.
  • Use your tongue to wet the inside of your cheek or rinse your mouth with water before placing the film in your mouth.
  • Place the yellow side of the film against the inside of your cheek.
  • Press against the film and hold it there with clean, dry fingers for 5 seconds.
  • Leave the film in place until it dissolves and do not touch or move it. Do not chew or swallow the film.
  • Do not eat or drink anything until the film is completely dissolved, which is usually within 30 minutes.
  • Rinse your mouth with water and swallow. Wait for at least one hour before brushing your teeth.

To use the sublingual tablet:

  • Do not cut, crush, chew, or swallow it.
  • Place the tablet under the tongue until it is dissolved.
  • If you take more than 2 tablets at a time, place all of the tablets in different places under the tongue at the same time.
  • If you cannot fit more than 2 tablets under your tongue comfortably, place 2 at a time until you have taken all of the medicine.
  • Do not eat or drink anything until the tablets are completely dissolved.
  • Take a sip of water, swish gently swish around your mouth, and swallow. Wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth.

Use only the brand of this medicine that your healthcare provider prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For buccal dosage form (film):
    • For severe pain:
      • Adults—At first, 75 micrograms (mcg) as a single dose once a day or every 12 hours for at least 4 days. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 900 mcg every 12 hours.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your provider.
  • For sublingual dosage form (tablets):
    • For treatment of opioid use disorder:
      • Adults—4 to 24 milligrams (mg) once a day taken as a single dose. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your provider.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Drop off any unused tablets or buccal films at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused opioid medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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