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What is your experience with buprenorphine for back pain?
Had a discussion with the pain pharmacist regarding buprenorphine for low back pain recently and I'm weighing the benefits of using it. Wondering what other peoples experiences are? I swim 3 days a week and I'm concerned about using the patch?
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I used the 20 mg Buprenorphene patch for fibromyalgia and other pain, including back. It did nothing for me but I was on Vicoprophen for years and I must have built a tolerance to pain meds. Everyone is different so I'm wishing you success! As far as getting it wet...My husband applied the clear protective tape we got at drug store. It kept it dry in the shower but not sure how long it would hold up for swimming. Your Dr should have a recommendation. Best of luck!
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1 ReactionI tried the patch, but felt no relief until they switched me to Belbuca. It’s a small film, put on your cheek (intraoral), twice a day. It’s a much more efficient way of delivering buprenorphine, and won’t interfere with swimming.
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2 ReactionsThank you so much for your thoughtful recommendation
Thank you for taking the time and consideration of replying
Just a word of caution, buprenorphine is an opiate and so is addictive. It doesn't produce the "high" of other opiates, but is just as difficult to withdraw from if used for a long time. Talk with your Dr about this aspect of the drug, please.
Thank you for your caring and thoughtful reply.
I have been on the buprenorphine patch for years. I attended weekly swimming/exercise classes for years while wearing it. One brand is better than the other. Once in a great while I need to put tegaderm over it. Usually it is when I've been traveling to and in a very hot environment and sweating a lot. I am very happy with buprenorphine for back pain.
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1 ReactionThank you for your helpful and considerate reply
I am up to my 3rd patch and still feel no change. Started 10mcg and now 20mcg.
@heyjoe415 I want to correct your statement about buprenorphine being addictive. If you’re talking about the patch, which we are, you can become dependent on the medication but that particular formulation would not permit you to be addicted. Research has shown that those of us with chronic pain who have used narcotics for years for chronic pain do not become addicts. Here is some educational material on the drug. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4675640/