WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF BUPRENORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
Because the use of buprenorphine exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see WARNINGS].
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression
Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of buprenorphine, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of buprenorphine are essential [see WARNINGS].
Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants
Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Reserve concomitant prescribing of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS].
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)
If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see WARNINGS].