Buprenorphine is a strong opioid medicine. It's mainly used to treat moderate to severe pain, for example during or after an operation or a serious injury, or pain from cancer.
It's also used for other types of long-term pain when weaker painkillers have stopped working.
It works by blocking pain signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It also reduces the anxiety and stress caused by pain.
It can also be used to treat drug dependency, but this is usually prescribed by a specialist.
Buprenorphine is only available on prescription. It comes as:
- patches to put on your skin
- tablets that dissolve in your mouth
- injections – usually only given in hospital
- implants that are inserted under the skin of your upper arm – only used for drug dependency
Key facts
- The most common side effects of buprenorphine are constipation, feeling sick and feeling sleepy.
- It's possible to become addicted to buprenorphine, but your doctor will explain how to reduce the risks.
- Your treatment plan may include details of how and when to stop taking buprenorphine.
- Do not drive a car or ride a bike if buprenorphine makes you sleepy, gives you blurred vision or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions.
- It's best not to drink alcohol when you first start buprenorphine treatment. You're more likely to get side effects such as feeling sleepy or drowsy.
- Tell a doctor or nurse about your buprenorphine if you're having any other treatments or tests. Also, remind your pharmacist about your buprenorphine when you collect prescriptions or buy other medicines.