Buprenorphine Transdermal patch
Christine M. Vartan, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist
West Palm Beach VA Medical Center
West Palm Beach, Florida
Note: The views expressed in this article represent those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
US Pharm. 2014;39(10):HS16-HS20.
ABSTRACT: The buprenorphine transdermal patch (Butrans) is approved for use in patients with pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid use when other treatment options are not adequate. Buprenorphine works as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor. There are five different buprenorphine patch strengths. Patients who either are opioid-naïve or using other opioids may be initiated on or converted to the buprenorphine transdermal patch. Adverse effects are consistent with those of other opioids and include, but are not limited to, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, constipation, and somnolence. Patients should receive education regarding appropriate patch application, use, and disposal. The buprenorphine transdermal patch is included under the Risk Evaluation
and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).