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Brand Names: Buprenex

Generic Name: buprenorphine (injection) (Pronunciation: byoo pre NOR feen)

• 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 is buprenorphine injection (Buprenex)?

Buprenorphine is an opioid (narcotic) medication that is similar to morphine, codeine, and heroin..

Buprenorphine injection is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Buprenorphine injection may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of buprenorphine injection (Buprenex)?

Like other narcotic medicines, buprenorphine injection can slow your breathing. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• 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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about buprenorphine injection (Buprenex)?

Like other narcotic medicines, buprenorphine injection can slow your breathing, even after the pain-relieving effects wear off. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

Using buprenorphine injection together with other drugs that cause drowsiness can slow the functions of your breathing and central nervous system to dangerous levels. These effects could result in a fatal overdose.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of buprenorphine injection. Using too much of this medicine in addition to drinking alcohol can cause death.

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.

Buprenorphine injection can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.