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Buprenorphine 5,10 and 20 μg/h Transdermal Patch: A Guide to Its Use in Chronic Non-Malignant Pain

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Abstract

Buprenorphine lower-dose (5, 10 and 20 mg/h) transdermal patches, which are administered once every 7 days, are indicated in the management of chronic non-malignant pain. This review focuses on the labelling of this formulation (BuTrans®) in the EU. The analgesic efficacy of transdermal buprenorphine in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee has been demonstrated to be equivalent to sublingual buprenorphine, noninferior to prolonged-release tramadol and generally superior to a matching transdermal placebo patch. When used together with regularly scheduled oral paracetamol (acetaminophen), transdermal buprenorphine was noninferior to codeine plus paracetamol. Transdermal buprenorphine has also shown analgesic efficacy in patients with chronic non-malignant pain of various causes.

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Acknowledgements and Disclosures

This article was adapted from Drugs 2011; 71 (18): 2491-509,[7] and was reviewed by: R. Day, Therapeutics Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; J.J. Hernández, Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, Rosario University, Bogata, Colombia.

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the articles. Changes resulting from the comments received were made by the authors on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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  1. Adis, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    Greg L. Plosker & Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson

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  1. Greg L. Plosker
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  2. Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson
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Correspondence to Greg L. Plosker.

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Plosker, G.L., Lyseng-Williamson, K.A. Buprenorphine 5,10 and 20 μg/h Transdermal Patch: A Guide to Its Use in Chronic Non-Malignant Pain. CNS Drugs 26, 367–373 (2012). https://doi.org/10.2165/11208360-000000000-00000

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