Talking to clients about medications and sharing important information that is not overwhelming can be challenging. Following are key points to discuss with clients when dispensing buprenorphine. Following counseling on the medication, a Plumb’s Drug Handout can be sent home for further questions or concerns.
What Clients Need to Know
Buprenorphine is an opioid pain reliever that can be absorbed across the gums or other mucous membranes of the mouth with injectable solutions or compounded liquids.
Administration
Buprenorphine should be administered under the tongue or in the cheek pouch. Clients should understand that the medication is absorbed through the gums and should not be swallowed. Doses are very small, and the exact amount to be given should be carefully drawn from the bottle.
Cautions
Clients should be aware that extended administration should not be stopped suddenly due to possible adverse effects from withdrawal.
Buprenorphine is a controlled substance and has potential for misuse by humans. This drug should only be administered to the patient for which it is prescribed and should be stored in a safe location that is out of sight. Any unused medication should be disposed of immediately. Unlike most drugs, if clients are unable to bring unused or expired medication to an approved drug take-back site, this drug may be flushed down a toilet for disposal.
Clients should be cautioned that accidental overdose is possible because the dose is so small. Signs include extreme drowsiness, difficulty standing or walking, weakness, and pale gums.
Other Important Information
Although drowsiness is the most common adverse effect, excitation can also occur but is rare. Additional adverse effects, including vomiting, constipation, salivation, and behavioral changes, should be monitored for.
Language Makes A Difference
When talking about opioids with clients, remember that they may be affected in some way by addiction and substance use disorder. Using destigmatizing language is important to avoid the perception of judgment or negative bias. Try these substitutions for common terms:
Person with substance use disorder instead of addict or drug abuser
Misuse instead of abuse
Person in recovery instead of former addict
Visit Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking About Addiction for more information and suggestions.