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Is Buprenex safe for humans?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on July 2, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Buprenex (generic name: buprenorphine) is an FDA-approved medication and is typically safe for humans to use if appropriately prescribed and administered by a health care provider. However, use of Buprenex can be very dangerous or fatal if abused, combined with alcohol, other medicines that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing, or if given in doses that are too high.

Buprenex is a strong opioid (narcotic) medication used for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternate treatments are inadequate. Buprenex is considered a partial opioid agonist and was approved by the FDA in 1981. It is given as an intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection and is classified as a Schedule III narcotic by the DEA.

Opiate receptors are found throughout the body and provide functions such as pain relief, sedation, respiratory depression (slowed or halted breathing), and physical dependence.

Buprenex works quickly and has effects that last about 6 hours. The injectable form can be used after surgery and for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain associated with conditions such as cancer, kidney stones, and nerve disorders. You would usually receive this medication in a clinic or hospital setting and would be monitored by a health care provider.

Buprenex injection is not used for opioid use disorder (opiate or narcotic dependence). Sublocade is the brand name of buprenorphine injection used to treat opioid addiction.

Buprenex contains a Boxed Warning, the most stringent prescription drug warning from the FDA, about the increased risk for:

Severe breathing problems are more likely to occur in older or debilitated patients, or those with pre-existing breathing problems.

Buprenex has certain limitations of use, as well. Because of the risks of addiction and misuse with opioids such as Buprenex, it is only used when you cannot tolerate other pain medication or have not had adequate relief. These medicines include non-opioid medications (like NSAIDs) or combination opioids (for example: acetaminophen-hydrocodone).

Not everyone should receive Buprenex for pain.

Other brand names examples of single ingredient buprenorphine products approved to treat pain include:

Related questions

Other Safety Warnings with Buprenex

This is not a complete list of safety concerns with Buprenex. Like all opioids, Buprenex is associated with many safety warnings and side effects you should discuss with your doctor. Visit here to see a full list of contraindications, warnings, side effects, and drug interactions with Buprenex.

Always call your doctor for medical advice about Buprenex.

Bottom Line

This is not all the information you need to know about Buprenex for safe and effective use. Review the full Buprenex information here, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Read next

How long does opioid withdrawal last?

How long opioid withdrawal lasts depends on the opioid you have been taking and whether it is a short-acting or long acting opioid.

If you have been using a short-acting opioid, acute opioid withdrawal lasts 4 to 10 days, with withdrawal symptoms starting 8 to 24 hours after last use.

If you have been using a long-acting opioid, acute opioid withdrawal lasts 10 to 20 days, with withdrawal symptoms starting 12 to 48 hours after last use. Continue reading

How long does buprenorphine stay in your system?

After one sublingual (under the tongue) or buccal (in the cheek) dose, buprenorphine stays in your system for about 5 to 8 days if you are healthy or 7 to 12 days if you have liver disease. Continue reading

What is the difference between Sublocade and Brixadi?

Sublocade and Brixadi are both subcutaneous long-acting buprenorphine injections that may be used for the maintenance treatment of opioid misuse disorder in adults. Sublocade was approved on November 30, 2017, and Brixadi was approved on May 23, 2023. Sublocade is administered once a month, with a minimum of 26 days between doses. If extended travel is deemed necessary, a single 300mg injection may be given to cover 2 months. Brixadi is given once a week or once a month. Continue reading

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