Buprenorphine Transdermal and Dimercaprol

• Generic Name: buprenorphine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Probuphine, Belbuca, Buprenex, Butrans, Sublocade, Subutex

Buprenorphine skin patch is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when around-the-clock pain relief is needed for a long period of time. It belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). Buprenorphine acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.

The buprenorphine skin patch should not be used if you need pain medicine for just a short time, such as after surgery. Do not use buprenorphine for mild pain or pain that you only have once in a while or "as needed."

When a narcotic medicine is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve the pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. Severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time.

Buprenorphine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: dimercaprol
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: BAL In Oil

Dimercaprol is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent that is used to remove a heavy metal (such as lead or mercury) from the blood.

Dimercaprol is used to treat arsenic, gold, or mercury poisoning. It is also used together with another medicine called edetate disodium (EDTA) to treat lead poisoning.

Dimercaprol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.