Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch: An Overview for Use in Chronic Pain

Updated: September 1, 2023

butrans patch

What is a Butrans patch?

A Butrans patch is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It contains the active ingredient buprenorphine, an opioid analgesic. Butrans patches are typically applied to the skin once every 7 days.

Butrans patches are generally safe and effective when used as prescribed. However, like all opioids, they carry a risk of side effects and addiction. Some of the more common side effects of Butrans patches include constipation, drowsiness, and nausea.

If you are considering using a Butrans patch, it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the potential risks and benefits. This is especially important if you have a history of addiction or mental health problems.

Butrans patches should not be used by children under the age of 18. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should also talk to your doctor before using Butrans patches.

It is important to follow the instructions on your Butrans patch prescription label carefully. Do not change the dose or frequency of application without talking to your doctor first.

If you have any questions about Butrans patches, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist. They will have the most up-to-date information on the risks and benefits of this medication.

How is a Butrans patch used?

A Butrans patch is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain. It is a transdermal patch that is applied to the skin and releases a steady amount of medication over a period of time. Butrans patches are typically worn for 7-14 days at a time and can be applied to any area of the body that is not hairy, oily, or irritated.

The Butrans patch should be applied to a clean, dry area of skin on the upper arm, upper chest, or lower back. It is important to rotate the application site to avoid skin irritation. The patch should not be applied to skin that is red, irritated, or broken.

Butrans patches are not intended for use on an as-needed basis and should not be used to treat acute pain. The medication in the patch is slowly released over time and is designed to provide continuous pain relief.

Before using a Butrans patch, it is important to tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, have any medical conditions, or are taking any other medications. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Butrans patches contain the active ingredient buprenorphine, which is a narcotic pain reliever. Buprenorphine works by binding to the same brain receptors as other opioids, such as morphine and codeine. This action changes the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.

Butrans patches are intended for use in people who are already taking opioids for chronic pain and are tolerant to the effects of opioids. Butrans patches should not be used in people who have not taken opioids for at least 7-10 days.

Butrans patches are only intended for use in people who are 18 years of age or older.

What are the side effects of a Butrans patch?

Butrans patch is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It belongs to a class of drugs called opioids.

The most common side effects of Butrans patch include nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.

Butrans patch can also cause serious side effects, such as slowed or shallow breathing, addiction, overdose, and death.

It is important to take Butrans patch exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking Butrans patch without talking to your doctor first.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Butrans patch and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical help:

• slowed or shallow breathing

• seizure

• fainting

• dizziness or drowsiness that is severe or does not go away

• confusion

• hallucinations

• unusual thoughts or behavior

• feelings of extreme happiness or sadness

• problems with urination

• constipation that is severe or does not go away

• stomach pain

• black, tarry stools

• blood in the urine

• bruising or bleeding that is unusual

• weakness

• fatigue

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

How to store a Butrans patch

Butrans patches are a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain. They are a type of transdermal patch that contains the opioid medication buprenorphine. Butrans patches are intended for use by adults who are already taking opioids for pain and are tolerant to their effects.

Patients should follow the instructions on their prescription label and use the Butrans patch as directed. The patch should be applied to a clean, dry area of skin on the upper arm, chest, or back. It should be applied at least 24 hours after the previous patch has been removed.

Patients should not drink alcohol or use other depressant drugs while using a Butrans patch. Doing so may increase the risk of serious side effects, including respiratory depression, coma, and death.

If a patient experiences any of the following serious side effects, they should seek medical help immediately: shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, severe drowsiness, muscle weakness, cold or clammy skin, feeling light-headed or fainting.

Patients should not suddenly stop using Butrans patches as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. If a patient needs to stop using the patches, they should do so gradually under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Butrans patches should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. They should be kept out of reach of children and pets.