Buprenorphine

What it is used for

• Opioid dependence, as an opioid substitution treatment
• Moderate to severe long-term pain (patches)
• Short-term pain relief (tablets)

Read our guides:

• Drug dependence

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Buprenorphine is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Buprenorphine attaches to opioid receptors in the brain but only partly switches them on. This eases withdrawal and cravings without giving the same high as heroin, and blocks the effect of other opioids. For pain, it reduces how pain signals are felt.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Buprenorphine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

• constipation
• feeling sick
• headache
• sweating
• feeling sleepy or dizzy
• trouble sleeping
• skin irritation under patches

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

• slow or shallow breathing, or being very sleepy and hard to wake. Call 999
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• severe stomach pain

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

• Never take it with alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedatives without medical advice, as this can stop your breathing.
• Ask your treatment service about naloxone, a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose.
• Keep it out of sight and reach of children. Even a small amount can be fatal to a child.
• It is illegal to drive if your driving is impaired.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.