What is Belbuca?
Belbuca is a strong prescription pain medicine (buprenorphine) that contains an opioid (narcotic) that is used to manage pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term treatment with an opioid, when other pain treatments, such as non-opioid pain medicines or immediate-release opioid medicines, do not treat your pain well enough or you cannot tolerate them.
Buprenorphine belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Do not use this medication to relieve pain that is mild or that will go away in a few days. This medication is not for occasional (“as needed”) use.
The Belbuca buccal film technology helps the medicine, buprenorphine, get into your body more efficiently than when it is swallowed. When swallowed, buprenorphine is significantly less effective at treating your pain.
How to use Belbuca Film, Medicated
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using buprenorphine and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication on a regular schedule as directed by your doctor, not as needed for sudden (breakthrough) pain. Use this medication in the mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to use this medication every 24 hours when you start this medication and gradually increase it to every 12 hours. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Before using, rinse your mouth with water or use your tongue to wet the inside of your cheek. Use the tip of a dry finger to place one film inside your mouth with the yellow side facing against one cheek. Press and hold the film in place for 5 seconds, then remove your finger. The film should stay in place on its own after this. Leave it in place until it is dissolved. Do not move the film with your tongue/finger or drink or eat food until the film has completely dissolved. If your doctor directs you to use more than one film at the same time, do not place one on top of the other. Place one film on each side of your mouth. Do not place the film over open sores or lesions on the inside of your cheek.
After the medication is fully dissolved, take a large sip of water and swish gently around your teeth and gums, and then swallow the water. This will help to prevent problems with your teeth. Do not brush your teeth for at least one hour after using this medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed, because your risk of side effects may increase. Properly stop the medication when so directed.
Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
Before you start using this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should stop or change how you use your other opioid medication(s). Other pain relievers (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen) may also be prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using buprenorphine safely with other drugs.
Suddenly stopping this medication may cause withdrawal, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have any withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, mental/mood changes (including anxiety, trouble sleeping, thoughts of suicide), watering eyes, runny nose, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, muscle aches, or sudden changes in behavior.
When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Use this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if your pain does not get better or if it gets worse.
Can Belbuca film be cut in half?
Generally, while the package insert states that films should not be cut, physicians often prescribe film fractions for treatment and tapering. There is no data to support this practice. According to studies, 4 cutting methods were found to be acceptable for splitting films into half but not quarter fractions. Do not use the film if it is cut, damaged, or changed in any way.
How do I know if I am taking the right dose or strength of Belbuca?
Belbuca has 7 dose strengths that will help you and your healthcare provider find your optimal dose. An optimal dose is an amount that provides the relief you need while minimizing side effects. It may take a few adjustments to find your optimal dose, so remember to talk to your doctor frequently.
What side effects does Belbuca cause?
Until your body adjusts to treatment, you may experience side effects like nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, or sleepiness. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose to provide pain relief or to help minimize any side effects. Do not change your dose or stop taking Belbuca without talking to your healthcare provider.
Where is the right place to put Belbuca inside my cheek?
Belbuca should be applied to the middle of the inside of your cheek. Do not place the film too high or too far back on your cheek. Avoid applying the film to areas of your mouth with any open sores or lesions.
Can I eat, drink, or talk when the buccal film is in my mouth?
Do not eat or drink until the buccal film has completely dissolved. After applying Belbuca, you can speak and swallow normally while the film is dissolving, usually within 30 minutes—just do not do anything that would move the buccal film in your mouth.
What does it feel like when the film starts to dissolve?
While Belbuca is adhered to the inside of your cheek, you may taste a mild peppermint flavor. As it dissolves, it is normal for the texture of the film to change.
How long does it take to dissolve?
Belbuca works by sticking to the inside of your cheek and then dissolving completely—usually within 30 minutes. Leave Belbuca on the inside of your cheek until fully dissolved. If you chew or swallow the buccal film, it may not be as effective or may cause choking, overdose, or death. As such, be careful not to chew or swallow the film.
How much does Belbuca cost?
The cost of Belbuca varies based on your insurance plan. Belbuca offers copay assistance to eligible patients and is dedicated to helping patients access the medication they need. In the 1st month, eligible patients pay as little as $0 upfront and save up to $100 off their copay per prescription, for up to 3 prescriptions. In the 2nd month, patients pay as little as $25 upfront and save up to $75 off their remaining copay per prescription, for up to 3 prescriptions. In the 3rd-12th months, patients pay as little as $25 upfront and save up to $75 off their remaining copay per prescription, for only 1 prescription per month.
