BUTRANS, 20MCG/H, 7D-PATCH

Common uses

This medication is a narcotic pain reliever. Typically, it is used to relieve pain. Its effects can be noticed within a few hours.

How to use this medication

This medication is contained in a patch that is to be applied to your skin on your upper chest, upper back, or upper arm. Avoid areas where the skin is oily, broken or irritated. If the area is hairy, clip hair with scissors. Do not shave it, it would irritate the area.

Avoid touching the sticky side when handling the patch. Apply the patch on the skin and press firmly. When you change patches, apply the new one at a different location. Wait 3 weeks before applying a patch at the same location. Patches are waterproof; you may swim or take a shower. If your patch comes off during the day, reapply it or replace it with a new one.

The patch may cause itching or a rash where it has been applied. If such a reaction persists, consult your pharmacist.

Heat may increase drug absorption. Avoid heat sources such as heating pads, electric blankets, saunas, heated waterbeds, hot baths or sun bathe. Call your health care professional if you get a fever.

This medication is typically used once every 7 days. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Apply it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effect.

Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first.

Avoid consuming alcohol or alcohol-containing products while taking this medication.

Possible side effects

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:

• it may cause constipation -- to prevent this, drink plenty of water or juice, and eat more dietary fibre;
• it may cause drowsiness or dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving;
• it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting;
• it may cause leg swelling or water retention.

Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Storage information

As with most medications, this product should be stored at room temperature. Store it in a secure location where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Do not allow it to freeze. There is enough drug left in a used patch to be harmful to children. Before you dispose of a patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together. Make sure that children will not be able to manipulate it.

Additional information

This medication may interact with other medications or supplements, sometimes significantly. Many interactions, however, may be dealt with by a dosage adjustment or a change in medication schedule. Check with your pharmacist before using this medication in combination with any other medications (including non-prescription products), vitamins or natural products.

Rarely, this product causes potentially severe reactions, mostly if taken at high doses or with some other drugs. If you experience agitation, confusion, diarrhea, fever, tremor and muscular rigidity or contractions, you should contact your doctor.

General information

When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:

• Your medical history and allergies (medication, food, or other);
• If you're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding;
• If you use tobacco or cannabis or its derivatives, or if you use recreational drugs;
• The names of all the medications you take, whether you take them regularly or once in a while, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural health products.

It is also strongly recommended that you keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you take and carry it with you at all times. This could be useful if you have to see a health professional or need emergency care.

Keep all your medications out of the reach of children and pets and return any unused or expired medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.