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Generic Name : BUPRENORPHINE (IMPLANT)

ABSTRACT –

Buprenorphine is a narcotic analgesic that is used to curb opioid addiction. Buprenorphine implants are placed under the skin to control opioid addiction in patients who are at least 16 years old and are using various other forms of anti-addiction medication to cure their condition. This drug is made available to patients only from certain certified pharmacies. Buprenorphine is not to be used as a pain medication.

DOSAGE –

• Biotin is to be taken as directed by the doctors. Do not take more than is necessary.
• The implant form of this drug is inserted through a needle under the skin as four 1-inch rods. And then covered with two bandages. The second bandage should remain on the skin for the next 3-5 days.
• Apply an ice pack over the area for 40 minutes every 2 hours.
• A precise amount of Buprenorphine reaches into the blood stream through the implants for up to 6 months.

SIDE EFFECTS –

• Hypersensitivity reactions at implant site
• Headache
• Depression
• Back pain
• Tooth pain
• Sore throat

RARE SIDE EFFECTS –

• Goosebumps
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Extreme drowsiness
• Extreme difficulty in breathing
• Blurry vision
• Low levels of cortisol
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Signs of serotonin syndrome

LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS-

• Loss of fertility in men and women for unknown durations of time

DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Alprazolam
• Amobarbital
• Aripiprazole
• Baclofen
• Brexpiprazole
• Buspirone
• Butorphanol
• Butalbital
• Citalopram
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Diazepam
• Droperidol
• Ethanol
• Ethotoin
• Fentanyl
• Furazolidone
• Heroin
• Hydrocodone
• Iopamidol
• Kava
• Lamotrigine
• Loxapine
• Mephenytoin
• Metaxalone
• Morphine
• Naltrexone
• Percocet
• Nilotinib
• Olanzapine
• Opium
• Pimozide
• Primidone

Buprenorphine has major interactions with 177 different drugs.

MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Acebutolol
• Alfentanil
• Alfuzosin
• Amifampridine
• Azithromycin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Darunavir
• Desvenlafaxine
• Diltiazem
• Efavirenz
• Esmolol
• Etravirine
• Felodipine
• Foscarnet
• Isoflurane

Buprenorphine has moderate interactions with 406 different drugs.

PRECAUTIONS –

• Provide the doctor with a detailed and accurate medical history prior to drug prescription. Notify especially in case of illnesses or conditions such as liver diseases, gallbladder/thyroid problems, difficulty urinating, Addison’s disease, any mental illness, psychosis, alcoholism or unusual skin problems.
• Do not use Buprenorphine while pregnant, as it may lead the child to be dependent on the medication.
• Provide the doctor with a detailed list of all drugs being taken, to avoid severe drug interactions. Notify especially in case of other opioid medications, sedatives, anti-depressants, diuretics or drugs that decrease the rate of breathing.
• This drug is to be accompanied by proper therapy and other types of addiction support.
• Do not nurse while using this drug as it may transfer through breast milk and cause the child to have difficulty breathing.
• Do not use this drug in case of an allergy to the drug itself.
• Strictly avoid alcohol while on drug course.

WARNINGS –

• Keep out of reach of children. This drug is not approved for children under the age of 16.
• Using the Buprenorphine implant may have several medical implications. Consult a doctor and calculate risks before making the choice of doing so.
• Call upon a doctor in case of the following complications – a numbness in the arm, extreme difficulty breathing, severe itching at the implant area, or the implants happening to stick out of the skin by themselves.
• Avoid activities that may lead to injuries, as this drug may lead to drowsiness.
• Never attempt to remove the implants without the aid of a surgeon. The implants are always surgically removed.
• Misuse of this drug is prohibited strictly, so as not to cause overuse, overdose, addiction or death.
• Contact an emergency helpline in case of overdose, as this can be fatal. Symptoms of overdose include weak breathing, loss of consciousness or severe drowsiness.