Norspan
Norspan patch is a strong pain medicine used for moderate to severe long-term pain when strong pain relief is needed.
Form
depotlaastari
Strength
30 mikrog/tunti
Active Ingredient
Buprenorphine
Manufacturer
Mundipharma Oy
How to Use
Dosage
One Norspan patch every seven days.
Method
Apply the patch to a clean, dry, and non-irritated skin area on the outer upper arm, upper chest, upper back, or side.
Important
A maximum of two patches at the same time, with a total dose not exceeding 40 micrograms per hour.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Headache, dizziness, or drowsiness
- •Constipation, feeling sick, or vomiting
- •Itchy skin
- •Skin rash, redness, itching, inflammation, or swelling at the patch application site
- •Loss of appetite
- •Feeling confused, sad, anxious, trouble sleeping, nervousness, or shaking
- •Shortness of breath
- •Stomach pain or discomfort, diarrhea, indigestion, or dry mouth
- •Sweating or other skin changes
- •Feeling tired, unusually weak, muscle weakness, or swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
RARE
- •Feeling restless, overly happy, seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations), nightmares, less sex drive, aggression, or mood swings
- •Changes in taste, trouble speaking, less feeling of pain or touch, tingling or numbness, memory problems, migraine, fainting, or issues with concentration or coordination
- •Dry eyes, blurry vision, small pupils, swollen eyelids or face, ringing in the ears, buzzing sounds, or dizziness
- •High or low blood pressure, chest pain, or a fast or irregular heartbeat
- •Cough, hiccups, wheezing, worsening asthma, unusually strong breathing, or pauses in breathing during sleep (sleep apnea)
- •Gas, weight loss, inflammation of the gut wall (with fever, vomiting, stomach pain), or cramping stomach pain
- •Dry skin, contact rash (with burning), skin color changes, or blisters
- •Trouble urinating or not being able to empty the bladder completely
- •Fever, increased sensitivity to pain, or muscle twitching
- •Withdrawal symptoms (agitation, anxiety, sweating, shaking) if you stop Norspan, needing higher doses for the same pain relief (tolerance), or withdrawal symptoms in babies if the mother used Norspan during pregnancy
- •Problems with erections or sexual function, flu-like symptoms, dehydration, or increased risk of accidents
Important Warnings
- Do not use Norspan if you are allergic to buprenorphine or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you have breathing difficulties or repeated pauses in breathing during sleep (sleep apnea).
- Do not use this medicine if you are taking or have taken certain depression medications (MAO inhibitors) within the last two weeks.
- Tell your doctor if you have severe liver problems.
- Inform your doctor if you or a family member have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
Show 5 more warnings
- If you have a high fever, more medicine than usual may be absorbed from the patch.
- If severe skin reactions, such as blisters or wounds, occur at the application site, remove the patch and contact your doctor.
- This medicine should not be given to children under 18 years of age.
- Avoid exposing the patch to extreme heat, such as saunas, hot baths, or heating pads, as this can increase drug absorption.
- Avoid alcohol consumption while using Norspan, as it can worsen side effects.
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)