Avoid driving or operating machinery. · Do not mix with other depressant drugs such as benzodiazepines, alcohol or other opioids. 8,9,10 Buprenorphine is metabolized by the liver, via CYP3A4 (also CYP2C8 seems to be involved) isozymes of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, into norbuprenorphine (by N-dealkylation). The glucuronidation of buprenorphine is primarily carried out by UGT1A1 and UGT2B7, and that of norbuprenorphine by UGT1A1 and UGT1A3. These glucuronides are then eliminated mainly through excretion into bile. The elimination half-life of buprenorphine is 20 to 73 hours (mean 37 hours). Due to the mainly hepatic elimination, no risk of accumulation exists in people with renal impairment. [82]

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:Although buprenorphine is a partial agonist of the MOR, human studies have found that it acts like a full agonist with respect to analgesia in opioid-intolerant individuals. [71] Conversely, buprenorphine behaves like a partial agonist of the MOR with respect to respiratory depression. [71]

When first prescribed, an individual may take some time to react to the treatment, and the effects may not be evident straight away. Buprenorphine and alcohol: increases the risk of overdose, impaired coordination, passing out, memory loss, nausea, vomiting, and possible death. 8,9,10 Reducing harmBecause buprenorphine in itself falls into the opioid category of drugs, it can be harmful or damaging to the individual if not properly managed and adjusted. a b c "Buprenorphine". Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. London, UK: Pharmaceutical Press. 14 January 2014. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021 . Retrieved 6 April 2014. Alkermes Presents Positive Clinical Data of ALKS 5461 at 52nd Annual New Clinical Drug Evaluation Unit Meeting". Reuters. 2012. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015 . Retrieved 30 June 2017. a b c d e Lutfy K, Cowan A (October 2004). "Buprenorphine: a unique drug with complex pharmacology". Current Neuropharmacology. 2 (4): 395–402. doi: 10.2174/1570159043359477. PMC 2581407. PMID 18997874. Women of childbearing age were instructed to use adequate contraception to ensure they did not become pregnant while being administered Subutex, because of the risk of the baby being born with neonatal withdrawal syndrome. Breastfeeding was not recommended while being administered Subutex.