Buprenorphine and Itching: What Users Say

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2020

For Chronic Pain "Been on Percocet 10mg/325 for 4 years. I withdrew off of them, and the doctor prescribed me the Butrans 5mg patch. I've had it on for about 24 hours, and so far, I worked a 12-hour shift with pain I can tolerate. I read it can take longer to get into your system. I had to get the generic, and when I shower, I cover it. I used alcohol to clean the skin before applying. So far, I'm liking it, but it does itch. Better than building up a tolerance to Percocet like I was. I suffer from arthritis from my neck to back, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease throughout my entire back, bone spurs in my spine, and fibromyalgia. I'm 28 years old. Went through heaps of drama to get the patch with pre-authorizations and finding a pharmacy that had it in stock."

• red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2025

For Opiate Dependence - Maintenance "This is an update. I did my first review 24 hours after receiving a 300 mg injection. I gave it the highest rating possible at the time. I’m happy to say I stand by that as of now, and it has been two weeks since receiving. Naturally, I have that hideous lump about the size of a grape under my skin. Nobody tells you how big, they just say a small lump, which is very subjective. I’ve had no redness, no itching, no pain unless I bump into it, then, it’s tender. I’ve had no withdrawal, no cravings, no side effects related to opiate use, or in comparison to Suboxone. The shot is much better for me because there’s not that roller coaster of up and down as your dose wears off. My plan is to receive this one and only shot and then be done with it all. I will review again at approximately six weeks. Good luck to all! Oh, I’m sorry, I did feel a little bit high for the first two or three days while my body adjusted, then it was just normal, kind of like the first time I took Suboxone."

• Tex...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 11, 2016

For Pain "It works pretty well for me until it starts to wear off on the 5th-7th day. I think there should be 5 patches given a month instead of 4 per 28 days. Or the manufacturer needs to improve the quality and lasting power of each patch. I do have to admit without this medication, I would be unable to have a normal life. My pain level would be about an 8 on average without it, and thank goodness I was referred to my doctor by my orthopedic surgeon. I occasionally have a little itch under the patch when it gets wet. I hate that it is not more waterproof. I believe this is part of the reason they lose their strength. I do have Norco to supplement my pain relief, but if the patches would hold their potency, I wouldn't have to use the Norco."

• Anonymous
• February 4, 2012

For Pain "I had severe back and neck pain for 4 years, been to neurologist, surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists with no relief or quality of life. I don't even know how I was working. My dr put me on the Butrans patch and my pain decreased a lot. I had no side effects for 8 months. Now I have severe itching and burning at the site and itching all over, to the point I want to pull it off."

• Pea...
• November 15, 2015

For Pain "I have been on the Butrans Patch (20) for three weeks. The results have exceeded my hopes after years of enduring chronic pain related to Fibromyalgia. The relentless pain in my neck and back while sleeping has been reduced at least 90%. I am able to make my bed, bathe, cook, and do laundry most days. I am more tired than normal, which is probably attributed to my increase in activity each day. The negatives so far include moderate agitation and mild itching and irritation at the location site."

• Ela...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 13, 2013

For Chronic Pain "I too have had very good results, as well as the typical side effects. The itching at the patch site drove me crazy to the point I could not use the patch. UNTIL... my doctor prescribed KENALOG spray to spray on before putting on the patch. Works wonders... you might want to give it a try. Insurance pays for it too. Good luck and sorry about your pain."

• ELL...
• June 17, 2015

For Pain "I had a good experience overall with the Butrans 15mg patches. Suffered from a bad car wreck leaving me with severe occipital nerve pain, migraines, bulging disc in my neck and back. Damage to L5, S1 in a fall and fibromyalgia. I tried so many meds, was a guinea pig for trial and error. Tried every pain med that was available and found I was allergic to all but two. After 10 plus years of being in pain, I was finally able to get out of bed in the morning and sleep through the night. I could function without the drowsiness or loopy feeling pills left behind. I would recommend this to anyone in chronic pain, not part-time pain. The only side effects I encountered were 2 years later and are itchy, redness, and blistering-like rash at the application site."

• heb...
• November 10, 2011

For Pain "I have been on Butrans patch for about 6 months. Started on 5mg, then 10mg after a few months, and then 20mg. I had several side effects although it did relieve my pain. Just the past two days, I had to go off of the patch because my side effects were very worse being on the 20mg. The side effects I have experienced since I started Butrans 6 months ago are: In the beginning, very itchy all over, not just at the patch placement site... that did go away after about 3 weeks. Severe horrible constipation... I mean horrible... severe appetite loss. Although I needed to lose the 27 pounds that I have lost since taking Butrans, I am a worrywart, so I worry it could be something more severe, but I think it's the patch. Severe nausea too."

• Eri...
• June 1, 2013

For Chronic Pain "I've had 2 surgeries, nerve stimulant, injections, nerve burns, Physical Therapy, chiro, acupuncture, and every medicine made. With 4 kids, I have to be able to drive, think and function. I have severe sciatica, hip & back pain. I am bone on bone with a rupture at L3/L4 and after the failed nerve stimulation my only option is fusion from L3 to S1 - NOT an option. I started Butrans about 6 months ago on 10 and moved to 20. I change every 5 days - my doctor wrote it that way - it wears off after 5. My pain breaks through some - but I have Norco which is less effective on the patch. It has to be put on carefully, precisely, & it itches, creates a slight rash and it occasionally comes off but I can't live without it. I don't feel high, I just feel relief."

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2019

For Chronic Pain "I was really excited to start this medication recommended by my PM neurologist. Unfortunately, I had horrific reactions to it. My face became red and covered in red dots. My hands swelled up and were very itchy. I was unable to have a bowel movement. I had severe headaches and vomiting. I was lethargic and extremely sleepy. I had terrible nightmares and would wake up yelling or crying. My body has been twitching and spasming uncontrollably. I can’t think or comprehend anything. I suffered through these side effects for 3 days, hoping my body just needed to adjust, but on the evening of my last dose, I had chest pain and thought I was going to die choking on a banana. My throat had swelled up. It’s been about 60 hours since I took the last dose of Belbuca, my throat still feels slightly swollen. My body is still twitching every 15-30 seconds, and I am extremely sleepy. Other than the bad headache and chest pain, it worked on my chronic pain."

• Anonymous
• September 22, 2011

For Pain "I have suffered from really sore muscles as the patch wears off. My neck feels like I have whiplash, and my upper back and shoulders feel stiff and hurt. I'm always well aware when it's time to change the patch. The problem is that the muscle pain starts to get really bad on the 5th day. Because of the 4 patch per month limit, I have to wait. Vicodin makes me feel loopy, and Tramadol makes me feel completely out of it. I will be speaking with my doctor to see what he recommends I do. I, too, have rashes at the patch site as mentioned by many others, and the itching can get quite embarrassing as I don't realize I'm standing at the meat counter at the grocery store scratching my belly until someone starts to stare."

• Tiw...
• February 18, 2013

For Chronic Pain "Butrans works. I have a hard time finding medicines that work, but plainly put, this works. It does come with a price, however, the patches are sometimes hard to keep on, showering becomes a true chore, the NextCare patches (to cover and waterproof the Butrans patch) are expensive and only last a few days. I wore Butrans for almost a year and in some places, it has scarred me - leaving an outline of the patch on my skin. Also, the patch can itch MADLY in some places. Finally, you must choose your location PERFECTLY or the patch will 'bubble' up or develop waves where the medicine is not making contact with your skin. Again, this patch works."

• Lol...
• September 11, 2013

For Chronic Pain "I loved this at first. I was able to leave it on for the full 7 days. The longer I left it on, my skin started to itch. Now, still trying to use it because it works so well, I can only leave it on for about 3 days before my skin is totally broken out. I am so disappointed because I'd rather not take pills."

• Jus...
• December 29, 2014

For Chronic Pain "My pain doctor suggested Butrans. Butrans works for me. It takes my pain level down to 3 or 4, and that is manageable for me. The only problem I have with the patch is I am allergic to the adhesive. I have to use a spray steroid prior to placing the patch. So far, it has worked. No itching or welts. I have a hard time getting it approved through both my insurances. It takes a couple of days to finally get it approved. I rarely have to take my breakthrough pain meds, and I like that."

• Rus...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 22, 2018

For Chronic Pain "After spending 4 years taking pills of hydrocodone and morphine for my chronic back pain and worrying whether I would not wake up from sleep, I expressed this concern to my new pain management doctor, who referred the Butrans patch. I started with 5 mcg and am now at 20 mcg after a year. I went through the side effects, from migraines to severe itching, and persevered, I learned to use Benadryl, and the migraines were gone after 3 months. My pain is now considerably less, from (9 to 2-4). I feel a lot better, and yes, I still have some effects, but they are nothing compared to the terrible withdrawal effects of pills and the fact I am still alive for my children and grandchildren."

• Fri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2020

For Chronic Pain "I started the Butrans patch in place of oral tramadol, two 50 mg four times daily after many years. I followed the leaflet to the tee. Almost immediately I had become exhausted. After waking, my breathing became labored, and the patch site started itching uncontrollably. Worried and anxious, I hadn't slept all night. After 24 hours, I called my physician about my symptoms. Now, I have a rash and am dosing myself with Benadryl for the next several days. This drug was a nightmare without the slumber."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2017

For Chronic Pain "Have had chronic pain for 10 yrs from fibro and deg disc disease and have just finished my 8th spinal surgery. I am on a 15 mcg patch. Only side effect is itching where the patch is, which I then take some Benadryl to counteract. It doesn't control pain 100%, but it helps and is not as horrid as fentanyl patches, which I had withdrawal issues with after just 3 months. I don't expect to be 100% pain-free with my conditions, but I will take any help I can :)"

• six...
• July 8, 2011

For Pain "I have had chronic left shoulder pain for the past 4 years. I tried massage therapy, chiropractic care, physical therapy, etc. I have been taking 4 doses of Tylenol and Motrin for 4 years. Finally, I got my doctor to give me something to help. I have been on the 5 mcg patch for 4 days and have been absolutely pain-free since. The only side effect has been that it itches sometimes at the application site. I can deal with the itching since I am absolutely pain-free after struggling for the past 4 years."

• Emm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2019

For Chronic Pain "I live in the UK. I cannot sit for more than 10 minutes without being in excruciating pain (I have failed back surgery syndrome and bi-lateral degeneration in my SI joints). I am now on Butrans patches 70 mcg with buprenorphine subs (200 mg) for breakthrough pain. I had to beg my pain consultant for the subs because the patch provides no relief! I cannot even move without aggravating my SI joints. I only get 3 subs a day, but need to take at least 2 at a time to give me just 4 hours of relief. As I have to save them for BP, which usually occurs 1-3 times a day. I am in almost constant pain (6-7) and have to ride the BP out as I don't have enough subs to cover it. I am 40 years old and am now pretty much bed-bound. I suffer from constant migraines (with aura), fatigue, insomnia (average about 3 hours of sleep a night), shortness of breath, horrible clamminess, and my hair is all falling out. The patches irritate my skin and leave it red and sore. I am desperate to get off this drug!!"

• Anonymous
• September 4, 2011

For Pain "I've been using the Butrans patches for the past 6 months. In the beginning, everything was wonderful, and breakthrough pain was nonexistent. I then began having more pain, and my doctor put me on Norco 10/325 3 times daily. It was then that I developed rashes, itchiness, and an intolerance to both medications, which my doctor said isn't that uncommon. Now I'm on 20 mcg/hr, and life is good again."

• Lil...
• July 30, 2015

For Chronic Pain "After 20 years of tension migraines, 10 years of fibromyalgia, and an SI sprain to the left hip, I thought I'd never know normal again. I can fake being well enough to make others comfortable, but I rarely am. Butrans was prescribed 3 months ago, and my constant, inconsistent days of pain, from 3-9, varying on weather, mood, stress, exercise, etc., is finally becoming more stable! The lows are gone. The higher peaks are 6-7 now and more rare. I'm on 15 mcg/hr every 7 days. Slight itching at the patch site, but with proper skin prep and rotation, I've had no other issues. This med, and low-dose Percocet, have given me my life back! Constipation has been my only side effect, but it is nothing compared to what I've lived with for so long."

• Sou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2016

For Chronic Pain "I was just switched to Butran 10 mg patches. I was taking oxycodone 7.5 mg every 4 hrs. I have been off pills now 11 days and on the patch 4 days. No side effects except a small amount of itchiness. I wear it 7 days, then change it out. It took me a whole week for insurance to get the PA they needed. I have felt no pain relief whatsoever. I can't even tell I am wearing it except when it itches. I am trying to give it time, and I hear it's a good medication, but I am still having chronic back and hip pain."

• Veg...
• January 30, 2015

For Chronic Pain "Great improvement with the patch. I have joint pain and deterioration of the spine, and my mobility has come back to where I can now do household tasks, go out to events, dining, and visiting friends. Started with 5 mcg and gradually increased to 15 mcg. The side effects have been rough to deal with. First, the itching skin and then blistering. Swollen ankles, night sweats. Some of this is worse than others. But how can I get this level of relief with something else? I will find out about Kenalog spray recommended by another writer here. Swollen ankles, elevate and ice. Night sweats, do not sleep on the patch. I keep hoping my body will adjust to the adhesive and medication after time. I will keep using Butrans."

• Win...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2018

For Chronic Pain "The 1st few days are rough. After about a week, it starts to work great. I take Ultram with it when needed but have cut down a lot. This medication has changed my life, with the use of Gabapentin, I can have a somewhat normal life. It’s really all about finding what medication works best for you. Only issues I had were some itching where the patch is. Not horrible, just mild. I went from barely being able to work to back full time again."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2016

For Pain "Been on this for 4 months now, and it has brought relief that I hadn't had in years. I have too many issues to name. My dose was upped this month to 7.5. I found that after about 5 days, the patch is wearing off. Last month, the doctor changed the rx to every 5 days instead of 7, but this presented a bit of a problem with insurance filling it. Since there's only 4 in a box, I had to go back on day 20 to fill again (with additional copy). Still, every 5 days was better, but I did still have breakthrough pain. The problem for me was that the doctor changed me from 4 times a day tramadol to 3 times a day, so I still had issues. This is my 2nd week on a higher dose and back to 4 times a day tram. The patch is good, but I have a rash/itch at the application site and constipation that I didn't have with Norco."