Butrans Transdermal System Side Effects
Side effects of Butrans include:
- Respiratory problems
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Severe allergic reaction
- Low blood pressure
- Liver problems
- Increased risk of seizure
- Physical dependency
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Rash or itchiness at patch site
- Dry mouth
If you have experienced any of these Butrans side effects, contact your doctor. They could be indicative of more severe problems. For any symptoms or side effects that have not been listed here, or for previous severe reactions that you have had to Butrans, fill out our
report a bad drug form.
Warnings & Recalls for Butrans Transdermal System
Butrans (buprenorphine) Transdermal System has a black box warning issued by the FDA indicating that misuse of this drug may cause life threatening consequences that can lead to death.
In order to avoid possibly life-threatening side effects, special precautions should be taken with the following:
- Patients of advanced age
- Liver problems
- High blood pressure
- Previous head injury
- Decreased consciousness
- Low blood pressure
- Fever
- The use of other pain relievers
- Epilepsy
- Treatment for cancer
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should neither apply nor come into contact with Butrans Transdermal System.
External heating sources should be kept away from your Butrans patches both while in use and in storage. Excess heat causes more of the medication to be released into the bloodstream. This can result in significant injury and death.
Butrans Transdermal System Treatment and Use
Butrans | buprenorphine Transdermal System, is an opioid narcotic (buprenorphine) similar to drugs like Darvocet or Morphine. This medicated skin patch is indicated by the FDA for treatment of chronic and ceaseless moderate to severe pain. Butrans’ active ingredient buprenorphine works by mimicking chemicals known as endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, by blocking pain signals from various parts of the body to the brain.
Butrans patches come in three strengths:
- 5 mcg/hour
- 10 mcg/hour
- 20 mcg/hour
Your doctor will take into consideration your level of pain, age, medical history, and various other factors to determine the right dosage for you. If you have any questions about the dosage prescribed, or about anything Butrans-related in general, please speak to your doctor as soon as possible to have your concerns addressed.
How is Butrans administered?
Butrans is a transdermal skin patch that releases the medication buprenorphine into the blood stream on a regular basis. The patches should be applied to one of the following areas and left there for seven days:
- Upper arm
- Upper chest
- Upper back
- Side of chest
The area should be as hairless as possible (do not shave an area for application) and free of any alcohol, ointments, lotions, or creams before application. Once an area has been used, do not apply Butrans to the same location for three to four weeks.
