Buprenorphine Transdermal and Epiduo

• 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: adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical
• Dosage Forms: gel
• Other Brand Names: Epiduo, Epiduo Pump, Epiduo Forte

Epiduo gel contains a combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene is similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin renew itself. Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect, which allows excess oils and dirt to be easily washed away from the skin.

Epiduo gel is used to treat acne vulgaris (severe acne) in people who are at least 9 years old.