buprenorphine (oral) Health Article

• slow or shallow breathing;

• feeling light-headed, fainting;

• confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; or

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• headache;

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation;

• warmth or tingly feeling;

• increased sweating;

• weakness;

• back pain;

• anxiety, depression;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• runny nose.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect buprenorphine?

Before using buprenorphine, tell your doctor if you use any of the following drugs:

• an antifungal antibiotic such as fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or voriconazole (Vfend);

• an antibacterial antibiotic such as azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), or telithromycin (Ketek);

• HIV medication such as nevirapine (Viramune), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva), indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase), or nelfinavir (Viracept);

• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane);

• a sedative such as diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), alprazolam (Xanax) lorazepam (Ativan), clorazepate (Tranxene), triazolam (Halcion), flurazepam (Dalmane), or temazepam (Restoril); or

• seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), and others.

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use buprenorphine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect buprenorphine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about buprenorphine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Buprenorphine is available with a prescription under the brand names Subutex and Suboxone. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Subutex 2 mg-oval, white tablets

• Subutex 8 mg-oval, white tablets

• Suboxone 2 mg-hexagonal, orange tablets

• Suboxone 8 mg-hexagonal, orange tablets

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.