General MedicinePrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Buprenorphine Sublingual
BUPRENORPHINE SUBLINGUAL
Buprenorphine sublingual tablet is indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence and is preferred for induction. Buprenorphine sublingual tablet should be used as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support.
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Brand names:Buprenorphine Sublingual
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGeneral Medicine
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- BUPRENORPHINE SUBLINGUAL
- Medicine class
- General Medicine
- Brand names
- Buprenorphine Sublingual
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Buprenorphine Sublingual?
Buprenorphine sublingual tablet is indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence and is preferred for induction. Buprenorphine sublingual tablet should be used as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support.
Buprenorphine Sublingual (BUPRENORPHINE SUBLINGUAL) belongs to the General Medicine class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Buprenorphine Sublingual. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Buprenorphine Sublingual with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Buprenorphine Sublingual is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Buprenorphine sublingual tablet is indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence and is preferred for induction.
Buprenorphine sublingual tablet should be used as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support.
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Buprenorphine sublingual tablet is administered sublingually as a single daily dose. Buprenorphine sublingual tablet does not contain naloxone and is preferred for use only during induction. Following induction, buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual film or buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablet is preferred due to the presence of naloxone when clinical use includes unsupervised administration. The use of buprenorphine sublingual tablet for unsupervised administration should be limited to those patients who cannot tolerate buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual film or buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablet; for example, those patients who have been shown to be hypersensitive to naloxone. Medication should be prescribed in consideration of the frequency of visits. Provision of multiple refills is not advised early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow-up visits. 2.2 Patient Access to Naloxone for the Emergency
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] • Respiratory and CNS Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3)] • Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] • Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] • Opioid Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7, 5.10)] • Hepatitis, Hepatic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] • Orthostatic Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16)] • Elevation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.17)] • Elevation of Intracholedochal Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.18)] 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
- The safety of buprenorphine sublingual tablet was supported by clinical trials using buprenorphine sublingual tablet, buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablet and other trials using buprenorphine sublingual solutions.
- In total, safety data were available from 3214 opioid-dependent subjects exposed to buprenorphine at doses in the range used in treatment of opioid addiction.
- Few differences in adverse event profile were noted between buprenorphine sublingual tablet or buprenorphine administered as a sublingual solution.
- The following adverse events were reported to occur by at least 5% of patients in a 4-week study (Table 1).
- Adverse Events ≥ 5% by Body System and Treatment Group in a 4-week study N(%) N(%) Body System / Adverse Event (COSTART Terminology) Buprenorphine Sublingual Tablets 16 mg/day N = 103 Placebo N = 107 Body as a Whole Asthenia 5 (4.9%) 7 (6.5%) Chills 8 (7.8%) 8 (7.5%) Headache 30 (29.1%) 24 (22.4%) Infection 12 (11.7%) 7 (6.5%) Pain 19 (18.4%) 20 (18.7%) Pain Abdomen 12 (11.7%) 7 (6.5%) Pain Back 8 (7.8%) 12 (11.2%) Withdrawal Syndrome 19 (18.4%) 40 (37.4%) Cardiovascular System Vasodilation 4 (3.9%) 7 (6.5%) Digestive System Constipation 8 (7.8%) 3 (2.8%) Diarrhea 5 (4.9%) 16 (15.0%) Nausea 14 (13.6%) 12 (11.2%) Vomiting 8 (7.8%) 5 (4.7%) Nervous System Insomnia 22 (21.4%) 17 (15.9%) Respiratory System Rhinitis 10 (9.7%) 14 (13.1%) Skin and Appendages Sweating 13 (12.6%) 11 (10.3%) The adverse event profile of buprenorphine was also characterized in the dose-controlled study of buprenorphine solution, over a range of doses in four months of treatment.
- Table 2 shows adverse events reported by at least 5% of subjects in any dose group in the dose-controlled study.
Serious
- 5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Buprenorphine sublingual tablets contain buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance that can be abused in a manner similar to other opioids, legal or illicit.
- Prescribe and dispense buprenorphine with appropriate precautions to minimize risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion, and ensure appropriate protection from theft, including in the home.
- Clinical monitoring appropriate to the patient’s level of stability is essential.
- Multiple refills should not be prescribed early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow-up visits [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2)].
- 5.2 Risk of Life-Threatening Respiratory and Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression Buprenorphine has been associated with life-threating respiratory depression and death.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Buprenorphine sublingual tablets contain buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance that can be abused in a manner similar to other opioids, legal or illicit. Prescribe and dispense buprenorphine with appropriate precautions to minimize risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion, and ensure appropriate protection from theft, including in the home. Clinical monitor
How Buprenorphine Sublingual Works
Pharmacokinetics
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Buprenorphine Sublingualwhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Store buprenorphine sublingual tablets securely and dispose of properly [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Frequently Asked Questions
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Buprenorphine Sublingual side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Buprenorphine Sublingual
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.