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Buprenorphine (addiction treatment)

  • Buprenorphine is a replacement for heroin
  • The tablet should be dissolved under the tongue. Sometimes, your doctor will ask for them to be taken in the pharmacy under the supervision of the pharmacist
  • If you miss doses of buprenorphine the pharmacist may have to send you to your doctor before you can take buprenorphine again.
  • It is important for you to continue to take buprenorphine regularly and stick to your appointments with your doctor and/or drugs worker

About buprenorphine (addiction treatment)

Type of medicine Opiate
Used for Treatment of addiction to opiate drugs such as heroin
Also called Subutex
Available as Sublingual tablet (dissolves under the tongue)

Buprenorphine works to replace the heroin that you have previously used and prevents withdrawal symptoms.

Before taking buprenorphine (addiction treatment)

Before taking buprenorphine (addiction treatment) make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
  • If you suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties
  • If you are an alcoholic or regularly drink large amounts of alcohol
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems
  • If you have ever suffered a head injury or brain disorder
  • If you suffer from low blood pressure.
  • If you suffer from thyroid or prostate problems
  • If you suffer from paralytic ileus (paralysis of the bowel muscle/blocked intestine) or if you suffer from intense stomach pain
  • If you suffer from epilepsy, have a history of epilepsy or if you have ever had 'fits' of any kind
  • If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a condition affecting the adrenal glands)

How to take buprenorphine (addiction treatment)

  • The tablet should be placed under the tongue and kept there until it has dissolved. Avoid swallowing until the tablet is fully dissolved.
  • Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Signs of overdose can include pinpoint pupils, difficulty breathing and eventually unconsciousness. If you suspect that you or someone else has had an overdose of buprenorphine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Sometimes the doctor will ask for you to take buprenorphine in the pharmacy where the pharmacist will supervise you. This is to help you stick with your treatment.
  • The pharmacist can only dispense the prescription as the doctor directs, a supply without a prescription is not possible. If you do not stick to appointments with your drugs worker and/or doctor you risk having problems with you prescription.
  • If you miss more than two or sometimes three doses the pharmacist may have to refer you back to the doctor.
  • Because buprenorphine is a controlled drug, if you are planning a trip abroad, check with the correct government department (HM Revenue and Customs) to see if you need any documentation for your medicine. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has a list of medicines that contain controlled drugs and can tell you the amount that you are allowed to take abroad. If you need to pack more of your medicine than you are allowed you will need to apply in writing for a licence from the Home Office before you travel.
  • Keep your appointments with your doctor or your Centre. The people there want to do everything they can to help you overcome drug dependency.

Can buprenorphine (addiction treatment) cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a laxative.
Headache This may get better after a few days.
Difficulty sleeping Contact your doctor.
Weakness Contact your doctor.
Drowsiness and blurred vision Make sure your reactions are normal and that you can see properly before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Nausea and vomiting This usually passes after a few days as you adjust to the medicine. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a medicine to ease nausea.
Dizziness, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying position Getting up slowly should help.
Sweating Try to keep cool and drink plenty of water

How to store buprenorphine (addiction treatment)

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1563		 DocRef:
dils3873		 Last Updated:
30 Jan 2007		 Date of Next Review:
29 Jan 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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