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In this Article

• What is buprenorphine injection (Buprenex)?
• What are the possible side effects of buprenorphine injection (Buprenex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about buprenorphine injection (Buprenex)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving buprenorphine injection (Buprenex)?
• How is buprenorphine injection given (Buprenex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Buprenex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Buprenex)?
• What should I avoid while receiving buprenorphine injection (Buprenex)?
• What other drugs will affect buprenorphine injection (Buprenex)?
• Where can I get more information?

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

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 (Buprenex)?

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.