Alternative Names for Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch
Buprenorphine transdermal patch is marketed under the brand name Butrans® 1.
Brand Name Formulations of Buprenorphine
The specific name depends on the formulation and indication:
For Chronic Pain Management:
- Butrans® - transdermal patch formulation specifically FDA-approved for chronic moderate-to-severe pain 1
- Belbuca® - buccal film formulation for pain 1
- Buprenex® - IV/IM injectable formulation for pain 1
For Opioid Use Disorder (NOT the transdermal patch):
- Subutex® - sublingual tablets containing buprenorphine alone 1, 2, 3
- Suboxone® - sublingual film combining buprenorphine with naloxone to prevent IV misuse 1, 2, 4
- Zubsolv® - sublingual tablet combining buprenorphine with naloxone 1
- Sublocade® - subcutaneous extended-release injection 1
- Probuphine® - subdermal implant 1
Critical Distinction for Clinical Practice
The transdermal patch (Butrans®) cannot be prescribed off-label for opioid use disorder treatment—only sublingual formulations are approved for addiction management 5, 6. Conversely, sublingual formulations like Subutex® can be prescribed off-label in divided doses (every 6-8 hours) for chronic pain management, though the patch remains the only FDA-approved transdermal formulation for pain 5.
The transdermal delivery system bypasses 90% of first-pass hepatic metabolism, potentially offering superior analgesia compared to sublingual formulations 6, 7.