Buprenorphine
Indication
Pain.
Only for use in patients who are unable to take or tolerate oral medicine (including soluble tablets and liquids) OR where use of the low-dose buprenorphine patches may prevent administration problems for frail, elderly patients in the community.
Do not confuse the formulations of transdermal patches which are available in various strengths as 7-day, 4-day and 3-day patches; 3 day patches are not recommended to avoid confusion in dosing.
Always prescribe by brand name.
7 day transdermal patches: 5 microgram / hour, 10 microgram / hour, 15 microgram/hour, 20 microgram / hour (In primary care please prescribe as Sevodyne®, Butec® or Bunov®)
4 day transdermal patches are much stronger: 35 microgram/hour, 52.5 microgram/hour, 70 microgram/hour (In primary care please prescribe as Bupeaze®, Relevtec® or Carlosafine®)
Palliative Use Only
Green (Restricted)
Brand:
Nice TA:
Commissioning responsibility:
Palliative Use Only:
Yes
PbR excluded:
No
BNF chapter:
Central nervous system
Background
Recommendation
LSCMMG Recommendation:
Green (Restricted)
Reason for decision:
Suitable for initiation in primary care in line with restrictions
Supporting documents: