Butrans Transdermal Film ER 20mcg/hr

Description

What is Butrans?

Butrans skin patches contain buprenorphine, an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.

The Butrans skin patch is for around-the-clock treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain that is not controlled by other medicines. This medicine is not for use on an as-needed basis for pain.

Butrans may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide

Important information

Butrans can cause death in a child who gets a hold of a skin patch and places it in the mouth or on the skin.

You should not use Butrans if you have severe asthma or breathing problems, or a blockage in your stomach or intestines called paralytic ileus.

Buprenorphine can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. Use only your prescribed dose. Never share Butrans patches with another person.

MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

Do not drink alcohol when using Butrans skin patches. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with buprenorphine.

Buprenorphine may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother has used this medicine during pregnancy.

Avoid sources of heat while you are wearing a Butrans skin patch. Heat can increase the amount of drug your skin absorbs.

Before using this medicine

You should not use Butrans if you are allergic to buprenorphine, or if you have a severe breathing problem or a bowel obstruction.

To make sure Butrans is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
a severe breathing problem; or
a blockage in your stomach or intestines.

To make sure Butrans is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
any type of breathing problem or lung disease;
head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;
drug or alcohol addiction, or mental illness;
urination problems;
liver or kidney disease;
heart rhythm problems, long QT syndrome;
problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid; or
if you use a sedative like Valium (diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Versed, Xanax, and others).

Some medicines can interact with buprenorphine and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications.

If you use Butrans while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Buprenorphine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Butrans.

How should I use Butrans?

Use Butrans exactly as prescribed. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Buprenorphine can slow or stop your breathing, especially when you start using this medicine or whenever your dose is changed. Never use Butrans in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Buprenorphine may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Selling or giving away Butrans is against the law.

The Butrans skin patch contains a high concentration of buprenorphine. Your dose needs may be different if you have recently used a similar opioid (narcotic) pain medicine and your body is tolerant to it.

The Butrans skin patch is for use only on the skin. Do not allow the medicine to come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, or lips.

Avoid touching the sticky side of the patch. Wash your hands after applying a skin patch. Do not use a skin patch if it has been cut or damaged.