How does buprenorphine work?

Buprenorphine works to reduce feelings of pain by interrupting the way nerves signal pain between the brain and the body.

When buprenorphine replaces other opioids, it helps reduce the negative effects of withdrawal, and reduces the harm associated with drug use. In this way, buprenorphine makes it easier for people to stop harmful drug use.

Buprenorphine comes in several forms:

• sublingual tablets or film — placed under the tongue for quick absorption and rapid action
• transdermal patches — placed on the skin for slow, steady release and a continuous effect
• injection — modified-release injection under the skin, given weekly or monthly

What are the possible side effects of taking buprenorphine?

Like all opioid medicines, buprenorphine can cause life-threatening breathing problems. The risk of these is higher:

• when first taking buprenorphine
• after a dosage increase
• if you are older
• if you have an existing lung problem

Other common side effects of buprenorphine include:

• skin reactions, if you are using a buprenorphine patch
• constipation
• headache or dizziness
• fatigue or drowsiness (especially soon after a dose)
• loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting

Buprenorphine affects everyone differently. Your likelihood of experiencing side effects may depend on:

• if you regularly use buprenorphine
• if you take buprenorphine with other drugs or medicines
• your dosage
• how much you weigh
• your general health

If you notice side effects while taking buprenorphine, or are concerned about your drug use, speak with your doctor. Your doctor can advise you on other options to manage your pain, or if you need a dosage adjustment.

Always take medicines exactly as your doctor prescribes.

What are the risks associated with buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is an opioid medicine and can cause life-threatening breathing problems. It’s also important that you do not stop taking it suddenly.

If you decide you want to stop taking buprenorphine, speak with your doctor about how to gradually reduce your dosage. This will help minimise any difficult withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms usually peak in the first few days after stopping buprenorphine. But symptoms may continue for several weeks. These include:

• nausea and/or vomiting
• diarrhoea
• sweating
• anxiety or agitation

Buprenorphine may make it difficult for you to drive or operate heavy machinery. If you have recently started taking an opioid medicine or changed dosage, you may be at a higher risk of having an accident.

Buprenorphine is not suitable for some people, for example, if you drink alcohol or take other medicines that can cause drowsiness.

Your doctor is the best person to advise you on whether buprenorphine is the right medicine for you, how much you need and how long to take it for.

Never take an opioid medicine that was prescribed for someone else, or give another person an opioid that was prescribed for you.

Are there any alternatives to buprenorphine?

Both buprenorphine and methadone are used to help treat opioid dependence or misuse. Your doctor will help you decide which is the best option for you.

Everyone’s pain is different, and different pain-relief medicines are used in different circumstances. If your doctor has prescribed buprenorphine for you, and you have concerns or are experiencing side effects, speak with them about other ways you can manage your pain.

If you have chronic (long-term) pain, your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes to help manage the effects of pain. This may include:

• improving your physical fitness
• activity pacing
• social activities
• relaxation techniques
• overall health management

When should I see my doctor?

If your pain is not well controlled with buprenorphine, or you have any unexpected or unwanted side effects, see your doctor. There are different options for pain management, and your doctor can suggest other approaches.

Always check with your doctor before adjusting your dosage either up or down.

How do I dispose of medicines safely?

It’s important you dispose of unwanted opioid medicines safely. Unused medicines can be returned to any pharmacy. Don't keep unused buprenorphine 'just in case' — this can lead to dangerous or inappropriate use.

Dispose of a used buprenorphine patch by folding it over on itself (bringing the sticky sides together).

Keep buprenorphine out of reach of children and pets. Never throw medicines into a garbage bin or flush them down the toilet — this is dangerous to others and harmful to the environment.

Resources and support

Asking about your treatment or medicines is important to help you understand your options. Here's a guide to questions to ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking a medicine.

You can also see this list of medicines that contain buprenorphine.

Read the consumer medicines information (CMI) leaflet for the brand you have been prescribed, or:

• Call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) to talk about the medicines you are taking for your pain.
• Discuss your pain on the Pain Link helpline (1300 340 357) which is staffed by volunteers with personal experience of chronic pain.
• Go to Painaustralia to find pain services and programs in your area.
• Learn more about prescription opioids on Choosing Wisely.