Butrans
(buprenorphine)
Treats severe pain around the clock.
Our bottom line
Butrans (buprenorphine) is effective for treating severe pain around-the-clock, but it has a high potential for abuse and misuse.
- Price before coupon$391.50
- Lowest price with coupon$70.8782% savings
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (buprenorphine)
Upsides
- Butrans (buprenorphine) comes in a patch form and only needs to be changed once every 7 days.
- Butrans (buprenorphine) works around-the-clock to help relieve pain.
- The Butrans (buprenorphine) patch can be applied on up to 8 different areas of the body.
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What to expect from Butrans, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Butrans (buprenorphine) takes about half a day to start kicking in.
- Butrans (buprenorphine) has a high potential for misuse and abuse.
- Butrans (buprenorphine) can cause life-threatening breathing problems, even when used at the correct dose.
- Older people shouldn't take Butrans (buprenorphine) due to its effects on blood pressure.
- Other pain relievers may be needed for breakthrough pain.
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What to expect from Butrans, on one page
Download Fact SheetButrans (buprenorphine) is an opioid that provides pain relief by acting on specific receptors in your brain.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (buprenorphine)
Used for
- Pain management
Dosage forms
- Patch
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- CostcoGet free coupon$73.86
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$74.90
What to expect when you take Butrans (buprenorphine) for Persistent moderate to severe pain
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Application site itchiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Constipation
Side effect rates for Butrans (buprenorphine)
- Nausea21%21%6%6%
- Application site itchiness15%15%12%12%
- Dizziness15%15%7%7%
- Headache14%14%9%9%
- Sleepiness13%13%4%4%
- Constipation13%13%5%5%
- Vomiting9%9%1%1%
- Application site redness7%7%2%2%
- Application site rash6%6%6%6%
- Dry mouth6%6%2%2%
- Tiredness5%5%1%1%
- Excessive sweating4%4%1%1%
- Accumulation of fluid in arms and legs3%3%1%1%
- Itching3%3%
- Stomach discomfort2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Butrans.
People taking Butrans felt side effect more
People taking Butrans felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Butrans (buprenorphine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Personal or family history of substance abuse
- › History of mental illness
Butrans (buprenorphine) has a high potential for abuse, misuse, or addiction, which can lead to complications such as overdose and death. A person can become addicted to it even at normal doses. Do not place Butrans (buprenorphine) in your mouth. Chewing or swallowing it might lead to a higher chance of choking and overdosing. Your doctor will determine if this is the right treatment option for you based on your history of drug use and medication taking habits.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats moderate to severe chronic pain.Common concerns from people taking Butrans (buprenorphine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Your doctor may have you continue to take oral pain relievers, while Butrans (buprenorphine) is kicking in. Do not stop Butrans (buprenorphine) until discussing with your doctor.
- Other pain relievers may be needed for breakthrough pain.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Butranson 10/12/2017Stay away from this. The withdrawal took 2 weeks of pain and sweating. Very uncomfortable.43WomanA few monthsPain management
- Butrans (buprenorphine) should not be taken with certain medications used for sleep, anxiety, muscle relaxation, and other opioids since they can all build up drowsiness. In more severe cases, your breathing could be slowed down so much that it becomes life-threatening. Talk to your doctor before you start taking any other new medications.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medicines that can cause drowsiness.