buprenorphine

Transmucosal (buccal film or sublingual) 

NEW WARNING

The FDA has published a Drug Safety Communication warning that dental problems have occurred with use of buprenorphine products that are dissolved in the mouth. Tooth decay, cavities, oral infections, and loss of teeth have been reported, even in patients with no history of dental issues. The FDA is requiring a warning be added to buprenorphine prescribing information.

Prior to use of the transmucosal products, the health care provider should obtain an oral health history and refer patients to a dentist as soon as possible after starting the drug for a baseline dental evaluation, caries risk assessment, and caries preventative plan, and to encourage regular dental follow up.

Patients using the transmucosal formulations should be instructed to allow the drug to completely dissolve then gently rinse their teeth and gums with water and swallow the water. Patients should wait at least one hour before brushing their teeth.

Adverse effects from the use of transmucosal buprenorphine should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program either online, by phone at 1-800-332-1088, by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, or by mail at MedWatch 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20852-9787.

Released: June 2022

Nursing Drug Handbook

© 2022 Wolters Kluwer