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Can Bunavail (buprenorphine/naloxone) be cut in half?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 8, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Note that the brand Bunavail has been discontinued but generic equivalents are available under the name buprenorphine/naloxone. We have kept a record of this question for interest purposes only.

Bunavail is a combination buccal film containing buprenorphine and naloxone. Buccal means that it is placed between the upper gum and inner cheek.

Bunavail comes in three strengths:

The strips are bi-layered with a medication side and a backing that encourages the absorption of buprenorphine and naloxone through the inner cheek into the bloodstream. Because of this delivery system, more medication is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, rather than being swallowed.

The manufacturer of Bunavail, BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc., has not done any testing on how cutting or tearing the film subsequently affects the absorption of Bunavail.

There is a concern that cutting or tearing the film may affect how much buprenorphine or naloxone (the active ingredients of Bunavail) is absorbed. It could also mean that more buprenorphine and naloxone is swallowed, rather than absorbed into the bloodstream through the inner cheek. Any buprenorphine and naloxone that is swallowed are ineffective.

However, it does appear that some doctors do prescribe a half dose of Bunavail and ask their patients to cut the strip in half. The easiest way to do this is to fold the strip in half and then use scissors to cut it. Because the active ingredients are spread evenly throughout the strip, it should not affect how Bunavail works.

How do you use Bunavail buccal film?

To use Bunavail buccal film:

Coadministration with liquids reduced the absorption of buprenorphine by 59% and naloxone, by up to 76%, which is why the film should be allowed to dissolve in the mouth without water or food.

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