Street Names and Terms of Use
Bupe, B
Brief Description
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist and also an opioid antagonist. It came out as an analgesic in the 1980s, but is nowadays used for the treatment of opioid addiction. Prescribed under the name of Subutex and Suboxone.
What is Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine, also referred to as bupe, is an opioid drug. Buprenorphine hydrochloride was first marketed in the 1980s as an analgesic. Buprenorphine is now available in Australia as a treatment for heroin dependence. Buprenorphine is prescribed under the names of Subutex and Suboxone. It has been useful in reducing heroin dependence.
How do Subutex and Suboxone work
Subutex (buprenorphine alone) has been available for treatment of opioid dependence in France since February 1996. Subutex has now received marketing authorisation for this indication in over 30 countries. Buprenorphine is extensively metabolised in the small intestine and liver and is therefore unsuitable for oral administration – however sublingual (Placing under the tongue) administration provides an acceptable alternative. Suboxone has been developed with the objective of having the same sublingual effectiveness and safety as Subutex but with a lower intravenous abuse potential.
For more information click on Subutex or Suboxone.
Australian National Buprenorphine Policy
The purpose of the National Policy on Buprenorphine is to provide a broad policy context and a framework for State and Territory policies and guidelines. These jurisdictional policies and guidelines will address clinical issues and jurisdictional/legislative requirements. These guidelines, Clinical Guidelines and Procedures for the use of Buprenorphine in the Treatment of Heroin Dependence, form a companion document to this National Policy on Buprenorphine Treatment.
For this document Click Here
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