Buprenorphine (Into the mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to buprenorphine.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Buccal film:
- Do not place a film on an area of the mouth that has sores or lesions.
- Use your tongue to wet the side of your cheek, or rinse your mouth with water.
- Place the yellow side of the film against the inside of your cheek.
- Press down on the film and hold it in place with clean, dry fingers for 5 seconds.
- Leave the film in place until it dissolves. Do not touch or move the film. Do not chew or swallow the film.
- Do not eat or drink anything until the film is completely dissolved, which is usually within 30 minutes.
- Do not use a film that is cut, torn, or damaged.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use.

Some foods and medicines can affect how buprenorphine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
- Butorphanol, erythromycin, ketoconazole, nalbuphine, pentazocine
- Diuretic (water pill)
- HIV or AIDS medicine (including atazanavir, delavirdine, efavirenz, etravirine, , indinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir)
- Medicine to treat heart rhythm (including amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)
- Phenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine)
- Tranquilizer or benzodiazepine (including alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam)
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, an adrenal gland problem, an enlarged prostate, gallbladder problems, lung or breathing problems, mouth sores or ulcers, trouble urinating, an underactive thyroid, or mental health problems. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, a slow heartbeat, or a history of heart rhythm problems (long QT syndrome). Tell your doctor if you have ever had a head injury, brain tumor, seizures, or stroke.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- High risk of overdose, which can lead to death
- Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)
- QT prolongation (heart rhythm problem)
- Liver problems
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, sweating, seizures, cold or clammy skin
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Seizures
Trouble breathing or slow breathing

Last Updated: 1/27/2017