Buprenorphine Sandoz
Buprenorphine Sandoz patches contain buprenorphine, a strong painkiller used to treat moderate to severe long-lasting pain in adults.
Form
depotlaastari
Strength
20 mikrog/tunti
Active Ingredient
Buprenorphine
Manufacturer
Sandoz A/S
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will decide the right strength for you; change the patch every seven days.
Method
Apply one patch to a clean, dry, hairless area of skin, such as the upper outer arm, upper chest, upper back, or side of the chest; press firmly for 30 seconds.
Important
Do not use more than two patches at the same time, with a total dose not exceeding 40 micrograms per hour.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Headache, dizziness, feeling sleepy
- •Constipation, feeling sick (nausea), throwing up (vomiting)
- •Itchy skin, red skin, rash, swelling where the patch is placed
- •Loss of appetite
- •Feeling confused, depressed, anxious, nervous, or having trouble sleeping
- •Shortness of breath
- •Stomach pain or discomfort, diarrhea, indigestion, dry mouth
- •Sweating, fatigue, unusual weakness, muscle weakness, swollen hands, ankles, or feet
RARE
- •Changes in mood (like restlessness, extreme happiness, aggression, or nightmares), changes in sex drive
- •Changes in senses (like taste, less feeling of pain or touch, tingling), memory loss, migraines, fainting, or trouble focusing
- •Dry eyes, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, or feeling like the room is spinning
- •High or low blood pressure, chest pain, fast heartbeat, or hot flashes
- •Cough, hiccups, or wheezing (whistling sound when breathing)
- •Gas in the stomach, weight loss, dry skin, muscle twitching, aches, or pains
- •Problems with urination (like trouble starting or holding urine), or fever
- •Increased risk of falls or accidents
- •Withdrawal symptoms if you stop the medicine (like being upset, anxious, sweating, or shaking)
- •Severe allergic reactions (e.g., sudden trouble breathing, swelling of face/lips, widespread rash). Remove patch and get immediate medical help.
- •Drug dependence (addiction), seizures, bowel problems (like inflammation or blockages, stomach pain), feeling detached from yourself
- •Blisters, ear pain, or skin changes (like inflammation, burning, or discoloration)
- •Withdrawal symptoms in babies born to mothers who used this medicine during pregnancy (e.g., high-pitched crying, irritability, feeding issues)
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to buprenorphine or any other ingredients in the patch.
- Do not use if you have severe breathing problems or a history of drug addiction.
- Avoid using this medicine with certain antidepressants or MAO inhibitors, as it can cause serious reactions.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, epileptic seizures, or have recently had a head injury.
- Do not use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant without consulting your doctor.
Show 5 more warnings
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy, drowsy, or have blurred vision while using this patch.
- Avoid alcohol while using Buprenorphine Sandoz, as it can worsen side effects and slow your reactions.
- Do not cut or divide the patch, and do not expose it to strong heat (like heating pads or saunas).
- If a patch comes off, do not re-use it. Apply a new patch to a different skin area and fold the used one sticky sides together before safely disposing of it.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, as your pain may return, or you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category C
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Sedative. Low transdermal efficacy in cachectic patients. Increases the risk of confusion and falling. Need for laxative is often necessary. (updated 24.3.2025)