Read all of this leaflet carefully

before you start using this

medicine because it contains

important information for you.

•    Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.

•    If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

•    This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.

•    If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, phannacist or nurse.

This includes any possible effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

What is in this leaflet:

1.    What BuTrans patches are and what they are used for

2.    What you need to know before you use BuTrans patches

3.    How to use BuTrans patches

4.    Possible side effects

5.    How to store BuTrans patches

6.    Contents of the pack and other information

1. What BuTrans patches are and what they are used for

BuTrans patches contain the active ingredient buprenorphine which belongs to a group of medicines called strong analgesics or ‘painkillers’. They have been prescribed for you by your doctor to relieve moderate, long-lasting pain that requires the use of a strong painkiller.

BuTrans patches should not be used to relieve acute pain.

BuTrans patches act through the skin. After application, buprenorphine passes through the skin into the blood. Each patch lasts for seven days.

2. What you need to know before you use BuTrans patches

Do not use BuTrans patches:

•    if you are allergic to buprenorphine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6):

•    if you have breathing problems:

•    if you are addicted to drugs:

•    if you are taking a type of medicine known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (examples include tranylcypromine, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, moclobemide and linezolid), or you have taken this type of medicine in the last two weeks:

•    if you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a condition in which the muscles become weak):

•    if you have previously suffered from withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, shaking or sweating upon stopping taking alcohol.

BuTrans patches must not be used to

treat symptoms associated with drug

withdrawal.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or

nurse before using BuTrans patches:

•    if you suffer from seizures, fits or convulsions:

•    if you have a severe headache or feel sick due to a head injury or increased pressure in your skull (for instance due to brain disease). This is because the patches may make symptoms worse or hide the extent of a head injury:

•    if you are feeling light-headed or faint:

•    if you have severe liver problems:

•    if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol:

•    if you have a high temperature, as this may lead to larger quantities of the active ingredient being absorbed into the blood than normal.

If you have recently had an operation, please speak to your doctor before using these patches.

Children and adolescents

Do not give this medicine to children below 18 years.

Other medicines and BuTrans patches

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

•    BuTrans patches must not be used together with a type of medicine known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (examples include tranylcypromine, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, moclobemide and linezolid), or if you have taken this type of medicine in the last two weeks.

•    If you take some medicines such as phenobarbital or phenytoin (medicines commonly used to treat seizures, fits or convulsions), carbamazepine (a medicine to treat seizures, fits or convulsions and certain pain conditions), or rifampicin (a medicine to treat tuberculosis) the effects of BuTrans patches may be reduced.

•    BuTrans patches may make some people feel drowsy, sick or faint or make them breathe more slowly or weakly. These side effects may be made worse if other medicines that produce the same effects are taken at the same time. These include certain medicines to treat pain, depression, anxiety, psychiatric or mental disorders, medicines to help you sleep, medicines to treat high blood pressure such as clonidine, other opioids (which may be found in painkillers or certain cough mixtures e.g. morphine, dextropropoxyphene, codeine, dextromethorphan, noscapine), antihistamines which make you drowsy, or anaesthetics such as halothane.

•    BuTrans patches must be used with caution if you are also taking benzodiazepines (medicines used to treat anxiety or to help you sleep). This combination may cause serious breathing problems which could

be fatal in case of overdose. Tell your doctor if you are taking this combination.

Using BuTrans patches with food, drink and alcohol

Alcohol may make some of the side effects worse and you may feel unwell if you drink alcohol whilst wearing BuTrans patches. Drinking alcohol whilst using BuTrans patches may also affect your reaction time.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility You should not use BuTrans patches if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines BuTrans patches may affect your reactions to such an extent that you may not react adequately or quickly enough in the event of unexpected or sudden occurrences. This applies particularly:

•    at the beginning of treatment:

•    if you are taking medicines to treat anxiety or help you sleep;

•    if your dose is increased.

If you are affected (e.g. feel dizzy, drowsy or have blurred vision), you should not drive or operate machinery whilst using BuTrans patches, or for 24 hours after removing the patch.

The medicine can affect your ability to drive as it may make you sleepy or dizzy.

•    Do not drive while taking this medicine until you know how it affects you.

•    It is an offence to drive while you have this medicine in your body over a specified limit unless you have a defence (called the ‘statutory defence’).

•    This defence applies when: o The medicine has been

prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem; and o You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine.

•    Please note that it is still an offence to drive if you are unfit because of the medicine (i.e. your ability to drive is being affected).

Details regarding a driving offence concerning driving after drugs have been taken in the UK may be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether it is safe for you to drive while taking this medicine.

3. How to use BuTrans patches

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Different strengths of BuTrans patches are available. Your doctor will decide which strength of BuTrans patch will suit you best.

When people first start using BuTrans, they often experience some nausea and vomiting (see section 4). This usually passes after the first week of treatment. It’s a good idea to book a followup appointment with your doctor a week or two after you first start using BuTrans patches to ensure that you are taking the correct dose and to manage any side effects.

During treatment, your doctor may change the patch you use to a smaller or larger one if necessary, or tell you to use a combination of up to two patches. Do not cut or divide the patch or use a higher dose than recommended. You should not apply more than two patches at the same time up to a maximum total dose of 40 micrograms/hour.

Adults and elderly patients Unless your doctor has told you differently, attach one BuTrans patch (as described in detail below) and change it every seventh day, preferably at the same time of day. Your doctor may wish to adjust the dose after 3-7 days until the correct level of pain control has been found.

If your doctor has advised you to take other painkillers in addition to the patch, strictly follow the doctor’s instructions, otherwise you will not fully benefit from treatment with the BuTrans patch. The patch should be worn for 3 full days before increasing the dose, this is when the maximum effect of a given dose is established. Patients under 18 years of age BuTrans patches should not be used in patients below the age of 18 years.

Patients with kidney disease/dialysis patients

In patients with kidney disease, no change in dose is necessary.

Patients with liver disease In patients with liver disease, the effects and period of action of the BuTrans patch may be affected and your doctor will therefore check on you more closely. Before applying the BuTrans patch • Choose an area of non-irritated, intact skin on your upper arm, outer arm, upper chest, upper back or side of the chest. (See illustrations below). Ask for assistance if you cannot apply the patch yourself.

•    The BuTrans patch should be applied to a relatively hairless or nearly hairless skin site. If no suitable hair free sites are available the hairs should be cut off with a pair of scissors. Do not shave them off.

•    Avoid skin which is red, irritated or has any other blemishes, for instance large scars.

•    The area of skin you choose must be dry and clean. If necessary, wash it with cold or lukewarm water. Do not use soap, alcohol, oil, lotions or other detergents. After a hot bath or shower, wait until your skin is completely dry and cool. Do not apply lotion, cream or ointment to the chosen area. This might prevent your patch from sticking properly.

Applying the patch

Step 1: Each patch is sealed in a pouch. Just before use, open the pouch by tearing where indicated. Take out the patch. Do not use the patch if the pouch seal is broken.

Step 2: The sticky side of the patch is covered with a silvery protective foil. Carefully peel off half the foil. Try not to touch the sticky part of the patch.

Step 3: Stick the patch on to the area of skin you have chosen and remove the remaining foil.

Step 4: Press the patch against your skin with the palm of your hand and count slowly to 30. Make sure that the whole patch is in contact with your skin, especially at the edges.

Wearing the patch You should wear the patch for seven days. Provided that you have applied the patch correctly, there is little risk of

it coming off. If the edges of the patch begin to peel off they may be taped down with a suitable skin tape. You may shower, bathe or swim whilst wearing it.

Do not expose the patch to extreme heat (e.g. heating pads, electric blanket, heat lamps, sauna, hot tubs, heated water beds, hot water bottle, etc) as this may lead to larger quantities of the active ingredient being absorbed into the blood than normal. External heat may also prevent the patch from sticking properly. If you have a high temperature this may alter the effects of BuTrans patches (see “Take special care” section above).

In the unlikely event that your patch falls off before it needs changing, do not use the same patch again. Stick a new one on straight away (see “Changing the patch” below).

Changing the patch

•    Take the old patch off.

•    Fold it in half with the sticky side inwards.

•    Open and take out a new patch. Use the empty pouch to dispose of the old patch. Now discard the pouch safely.

•    Even used patches contain some active ingredient that may harm children or animals, so make sure your used patches are always kept out of the reach and sight of them.

•    Stick a new patch on a different appropriate skin site (as described above). You should not apply a new patch to the same site for 3-4 weeks.

•    Remember to change your patch at the same time of day. It is important that you make a note of the time of day.

Duration of treatment Your doctor will tell you how long you should be treated with the BiiTrans patch. Do not stop treatment without consulting a doctor, because your pain may return and you may feel unwell (see also “If you stop using BiiTrans patches” below).

If you feel that the effect of the BiiTrans patch is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you use more BuTrans patches than you should

As soon as you discover that you have used more patches than you should, remove all patches and call your doctor or hospital straight away. People who have taken an overdose may feel very sleepy and sick. They may also have breathing difficulties or lose consciousness and may need emergency treatment in hospital. When seeking medical attention make sure that you take this leaflet and any remaining patches with you to show to the doctor.

If you forget to apply the BuTrans patch

Stick a new patch on as soon as you remember. Also make a note of the date, as your usual day of changing may now be different. If you are very late changing your patch, your pain may return. In this case, please contact your doctor.

Do not apply additional patches to make up for the forgotten application. If you stop using BuTrans patches If you stop using BiiTrans patches too soon or you interrupt your treatment your pain may return. If you wish to stop treatment please consult your doctor. They will tell you what can be done and whether you can be treated with other medicines.

Some people may have side effects when they have used strong painkillers for a long time and stop using them. The risk of having effects after stopping BiiTrans patches is very low. However, if you feel agitated, anxious, nervous or shaky, if you are overactive, have difficulty sleeping or digestive problems, tell your doctor.

The pain relieving effect of BiiTrans patch is maintained for some time after removal of the patch. You should not start another opioid analgesic (strong painkiller) within 24 hours after removal of the patch.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Like all medicines, BuTrans patches can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Serious side effects that may be associated with BuTrans patches are similar to those seen with other strong painkillers and include difficulty in breathing and low blood pressure.

This medicine can cause allergic reactions, although serious allergic reactions are rare. Remove the patch and tell your doctor immediately if you get any sudden wheeziness, difficulties in breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching especially those covering your whole body.

As with all strong painkillers, there is a risk that you may become addicted or reliant on BuTrans patches.

In patients treated with BuTrans patches, the following other side effects have been reported:

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

•    Headache, dizziness, drowsiness.

•    Constipation, feeling or actually being sick.

•    Itchy skin.

•    Rash, redness, itching, inflammation or swelling of the skin at the application site.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10

people)

•    Loss of appetite.

•    Confusion, depression, anxiety, difficulty in sleeping, nervousness, shaking (tremors).

•    Shortness of breath.

•    Abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhoea, indigestion, dry mouth.

•    Sweating, rash, skin eruptions.

•    Tiredness, a feeling of unusual weakness, muscle weakness, swelling of hands, ankles or feet.

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100

people)

•    Mood swings, restlessness, agitation, a feeling of extreme happiness,

hallucinations, nightmares.

•    Changes in taste, difficulty in speaking, reduced sensitivity to pain or touch, tingling or numbness,

•    Loss of memory, migraine, fainting, problems with concentration or coordination.

•    Dry eyes, blurred vision.

•    A ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, a feeling of dizziness or spinning.

•    High or low blood pressure, chest pain, fast or irregular heart beat.

17/06/2015 10:12