buprenorphine (pain)

Name: buprenorphine (pain) — FDA Drug Safety & Adverse Event Data
Creator: PlainMeds
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Reviewed byPlainmeds Editorial, Drug Information Editorial Team · June 5, 2026

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Brand names: Belbuca, Butrans

Partial Opioid Agonist Rx

Belbuca is a medicine used to treat severe, long-lasting pain. It contains buprenorphine, a type of opioid pain reliever.

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Brand Price

$6.84/unit

Generic Available

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

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What it does

Belbuca is used to manage severe, ongoing pain that needs an opioid medicine.

Common side effects

Nausea, Constipation, Headache

Key warnings

Belbuca can lead to addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can result in overdose and death.

How It Works

Belbuca contains buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. It works by attaching to certain receptors in the brain and body. This helps to decrease the feeling of pain.

How to Take It

Belbuca is a film that you stick to the inside of your cheek. You should use it once or twice each day, as your doctor tells you. Only a healthcare provider who knows about extended-release opioids should prescribe Belbuca. They will tell you the right dose to start with, and may change it over time.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Using Belbuca for a long time during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Belbuca.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.

Storage

Store Belbuca at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep Belbuca in a safe place and dispose of used films properly.

Serious Warnings

Belbuca can lead to addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can result in overdose and death. It can also cause serious, life-threatening breathing problems, especially when you first start taking it or after a dose increase. Accidental exposure, especially in children, can be fatal. Taking Belbuca with benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium) or other depressants (including alcohol) can cause severe sleepiness, breathing problems, coma, and death. If you are pregnant and use Belbuca for a long time, your baby could have withdrawal symptoms after birth.

Known Drug Interactions

minor gabapentin

Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin),, other opioids, alcohol.

Mechanism: Both drugs can slow down your brain and nervous system, which can lead to extreme sleepiness or slowed breathing. This combination increases the risk of dangerous side effects or overdose.

What to do: Avoid taking these together unless specifically directed by your doctor. If you must take both, your doctor should use the lowest doses possible and monitor you closely.

minor trazodone

Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue).

Mechanism: Both drugs increase the levels of a brain chemical called serotonin. Taking them together can lead to a dangerous buildup called serotonin syndrome.

What to do: Your doctor should monitor you closely for symptoms like shivering, sweating, or confusion.

minor tramadol

Mechanism: These medications both affect the serotonin system in your body. Combining them increases the risk of a serious reaction from having too much serotonin.

What to do: Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and watch for signs like agitation or a fast heartbeat.

minor cyclobenzaprine

Mechanism: This muscle relaxant and the pain medication both raise serotonin levels. Using them at the same time can cause a toxic reaction in your nervous system.

What to do: Use this combination with caution and report any muscle stiffness or fever to your doctor immediately.

minor pregabalin

Mechanism: Both of these drugs slow down your brain activity and breathing. Taking them together can make you very sleepy or make it hard to breathe.

What to do: Your doctor may need to adjust your doses, and you should avoid driving until you know how this mix affects you.

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Common Questions

Can I use Belbuca as needed for pain?

No, Belbuca is not meant to be used as an as-needed pain reliever.

What should I do if I experience side effects?

Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience while taking Belbuca.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Belbuca?

No, do not drink alcohol while taking Belbuca. It can cause dangerous side effects.

Is Belbuca safe for children?

No, accidental exposure to Belbuca can be fatal in children.

How do I apply the Belbuca film?

Place the yellow side of the film on the inside of your cheek and let it dissolve.

What if I have liver problems?

Tell your doctor if you have liver problems. Your dose of Belbuca may need to be lowered.

Can Belbuca cause constipation?

Yes, constipation is a common side effect of Belbuca.

What should I do if I think I'm addicted to Belbuca?

Talk to your doctor right away if you think you are addicted to Belbuca.

Can I take other medications with Belbuca?

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

What are the signs of an overdose?

Signs of an overdose include slow or shallow breathing, extreme sleepiness, and unresponsiveness. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an overdose.

What are the common side effects of buprenorphine (pain)?

The most commonly reported side effects of buprenorphine (pain) include Nausea, Constipation, Headache, Vomiting, Dizziness. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.

Does buprenorphine (pain) interact with other medications?

Yes, buprenorphine (pain) has 19 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include gabapentin, trazodone, tramadol. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

What drug class is buprenorphine (pain)?

buprenorphine (pain) belongs to the Partial Opioid Agonist drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Belbuca is used to manage severe, ongoing pain that needs an opioid medicine.

Is buprenorphine (pain) safe during pregnancy?

Using Belbuca for a long time during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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