buprenorphine (injection)

Brand name(s):

buprenorphine, Buprenex

What is the most important information I should know about buprenorphine injection?

Like other narcotic medicines, buprenorphine injection can slow your breathing, even after the pain-relieving effects wear off. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

Using buprenorphine injection together with other drugs that cause drowsiness can slow the functions of your breathing and central nervous system to dangerous levels. These effects could result in a fatal overdose.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of buprenorphine injection. Using too much of this medicine in addition to drinking alcohol can cause death. You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop receiving buprenorphine after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using this medication suddenly unless your doctor instructs you to. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Buprenorphine injection can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What is buprenorphine injection?

Buprenorphine is an opioid (narcotic) medication that is similar to morphine, codeine, and heroin..

Buprenorphine injection is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Buprenorphine injection may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving buprenorphine injection?

Buprenorphine injection can cause withdrawal effects in a person who is addicted to narcotics. Before receiving buprenorphine injection, tell your doctor if you have a history of drug abuse or addiction. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to buprenorphine or naloxone (Narcan), or if you have used another narcotic drug within the past 4 hours.

Before using buprenorphine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
liver or kidney disease;
mental illness or a history of suicide attempt;
a history of alcoholism or IV drug use; or
a history of seizures, head injury, or brain tumor.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive buprenorphine injection, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. It could also cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother receives buprenorphine injection during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Buprenorphine passes into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing baby. It may also decrease breast milk production. Do not receive buprenorphine injection if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is buprenorphine injection given?

Buprenorphine injection is given through a needle placed into a muscle. You will most likely receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly and can take up to 2 minutes to inject.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop receiving buprenorphine after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using this medication suddenly unless your doctor instructs you to. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since buprenorphine injection is usually given by a healthcare provider, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

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