buprenorphine

noun

bu·​pre·​nor·​phine ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn 

-fən

: a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic that is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₉H₄₁NO₄·HCl to control moderate to severe pain and treat opioid dependence

Note: Buprenorphine is administered by injection to control pain, is used in the form of a transdermal skin patch to control pain or treat opioid dependence, and is used in combination with naloxone in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence.

Examples of buprenorphine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The work is funded by a $25 million federal grant, which is also used to increase access to medication to treat opioid addiction, such as buprenorphine. —Meagan Flynn, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2023

Previously, patients needed an in-person examination before receiving buprenorphine. —Lev Facher, STAT, 3 May 2023

Numerous digital health companies, like Bicycle Health and Boulder Care, have used the flexibilities to significantly expand their reach and buprenorphine prescribing volume. —Lev Facher, STAT, 2 Nov. 2023

Another effective treatment, buprenorphine, is underprescribed. —Noah Weiland, New York Times, 20 Oct. 2023

For example, the opioid buprenorphine is often given to lab rodents and monkeys as a painkiller. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2023

Methadone and buprenorphine are prescription treatments for opioid use disorder. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 14 Sep. 2023

Physicians and people using this drug must be made aware that the evidence heavily favors methadone and buprenorphine above and beyond any other treatment approach. —Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 13 Sep. 2023

Shipments of buprenorphine to pharmacies and practitioners rose significantly as public health officials stressed its importance in curbing the addiction crisis - from 42 million doses in 2006 to 577 million in 2019. —David Ovalle, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Sep. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

buprenorphine

noun

bu·​pre·​nor·​phine ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn, -fən 

: a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic that is derived from thebaine and is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₉H₄₁NO₄·HCl to control moderate to severe pain and treat opioid dependence

Note: Buprenorphine is administered by injection to control pain, is used in the form of a transdermal skin patch to control pain or treat opioid dependence, and is used in combination with naloxone in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence. Trademarks for preparations containing buprenorphine include Bunavail, Buprenex, Butrans, Subutex, Suboxone, and Zubsolv.