Buprenex is a prescription drug for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, it is an opioid narcotic that is administered intravenously. Because it is a Schedule III controlled substance, the use of Buprenex is subject to strict laws and regulations. Buprenex may be habit-forming, even if taken at regular doses. As such, it is advised that patients take this medicine as prescribed by their doctors.
Misuse of the drug can lead to addiction and overdose. It is normally given at evenly spaced intervals, often six hours apart. If the patient does not experience any significant alleviation of pain, he or she should tell the doctor immediately. If not, there is a risk that the patient may develop tolerance to the medicine, meaning he or she would need a higher dose of Buprenex for pain relief. Suddenly stopping the use of this drug is also not recommended as the patient may develop severe reaction.
Buprenex Cost Information
Buprenex is usually sold in five vials containing .03mg/ml. Prices may vary depending on the stores selling it and the use of discount codes. On the average, online pharmaceuticals sell it for $60. The medication can be had for a lower amount if a buyer can present discount codes accepted by online drug stores.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 1 vial | $18.95 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 3 vials | $47.06 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 5 vials | $70.74 |
Kmart |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 1 vial | $15.85 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 3 vials | $42.56 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 5 vials | $69.27 |
Kroger |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 1 vial | $15.85 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 3 vials | $42.56 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 5 vials | $69.27 |
Publix |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 1 vial | $15.85 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 3 vials | $42.56 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 5 vials | $69.27 |
Rite Aid |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 1 vial | $19.99 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 3 vials | $44.99 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 5 vials | $69.99 |
Target |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 1 vial | $15.85 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 3 vials | $42.56 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 5 vials | $69.27 |
Walgreens |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 1 vial | $19.16 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 3 vials | $46.47 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 5 vials | $72.01 |
Walmart |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 1 vial | $17.82 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 3 vials | $45.15 |
| 1ml of 0.3mg/ml | 5 vials | $69.11 |
Short-Term Side Effects
The use of Buprenex can result to side effects that could last for a few days, or until the patient’s body gets used to the drug. The most commonly reported side effect is sedation, which happens in 6 out of 10 patients who used the drug. Other side effects of this drug include nausea, dizziness, sweating, low blood pressure, vomiting, constricted pupils, and headaches.
Long-Term Side Effects
The chronic use of Buprenex can lead to addiction, or the urge to use more of the medication than its prescribed purpose. It can also result to arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, severe drowsiness and cold and clammy skin. Patients who have used this medication for a long time are prone to fainting, confusion or problems in thinking, walking or talking, and seizures. They may likewise experience hallucinations, severe constipation, unusual mood changes like depression, agitation and anxiety, and dizziness.
How It Works
Buprenex’s active ingredient is an opioid medication called buprenorphine. This ingredient binds itself to opioid mu-receptors found in various parts of the body. The effects of the ingredient occur in the central nervous system, affecting the way a patient feels or perceives pain.
Interactions
Buprenex may interact with certain medications that can increase the risks of serious complications or side effects. Some of these medications that could interact with Buprenex are antibiotics like erythromycin, antihistamines or drugs for cough, cold and allergies and barbiturates like Phenobarbital. Medicines for depression and anxiety, anti-fungal drugs, and sleep inducers are also known to negate the effectiveness of this drug.
Generic Alternatives
If Buprenex causes troublesome side effects, a patient may be prescribed with other pain-killing medications such as methadone which is also an opioid pain reliever.
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